EU Funds ISIDORe Project to Combat Avian Influenza Virus Threat
The ISIDORe project is the largest and most diverse research and service-providing consortium in Europe dedicated to studying infectious diseases. As part of this project, a team around Dr Lara Urban, Principal Investigator at Helmholtz AI and the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus (HPC) at Helmholtz Munich and faculty member at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), received a substantial grant from the European Union. In their project "Wildflu", the researchers will investigate the adaptation and transmission dynamics of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a severe form of avian influenza caused by certain strains of the influenza A virus. The project „Wildflu”, as part of the ISIDORe EU project, obtained a significant funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program to tackle the severe panzootic caused by HPAI viruses. Spearheaded by postdoctoral researcher Dr Albert Perlas, the project will focus on monitoring the avian influenza virus, particularly the highly pathogenic H5 strain (HPAIV), which poses a significant threat to both wild and domestic bird populations, as well as mammalian species. This initiative addresses the urgent need to understand the adaptation and transmission of HPAIVs to various species, including wild birds and mammals.
Preventing Future Pandemics
In collaboration with the Avian Virus group from IRTA-CReSA in Barcelona led by Dr. Natàlia Majó and the Host-Pathogen Interaction research unit from the National Veterinary School in Toulouse led by Dr. Jean-Luc Guerin, the project aims to conduct experimental inoculation studies involving yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) and American minks (Neogale vison). These studies will provide crucial insights into the infectivity, transmission, and pathogenicity of HPAIV strains, informing strategies to prevent future outbreaks and potential pandemics.
Given the heightened societal awareness of zoonotic diseases, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Wildflu’s timely research is paramount. Avian influenza viruses, with their ability to infect a wide range of species, including humans, underscore the urgency of comprehensive studies in this area. With the current situation in Europe regarding HPAIV being the most severe on record, the project’s findings are expected to significantly contribute to avian influenza surveillance and wildlife disease research.
Promoting The One Health Approach
“Wildflu aims to advance our understanding of host-pathogen interactions involved in HPAIV infection, underscoring the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health”, states Dr Lara Urban, leader of the Helmholtz "Genomics and AI for One Health" research group.
The project seeks to not only to enhance the understanding of zoonotic disease risks but also to develop more effective detection tools for HPAIV and promote the One Health approach. The project’s outcomes are expected to pave the way for coordinated international action in combatting avian influenza and safeguarding global health.
About the scientists
Dr Lara Urban, Principal Investigator at Helmholtz AI and the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus (HPC) at Helmholtz Munich, and faculty member at the Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Dr Albert Perlas, Postdoctoral Researcher in the research group “Genomics and AI for One Health” at Helmholtz AI and the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus (HPC) at Helmholtz Munich
About the funding
ISIDORe has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 101046133.
