Sign in Subscribe
Avian influenza

Genetic Reinstatement of RIG-I in Chickens Provides Insights into Avian Immune Evolution and Influenza Interaction

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Scientists at the Technical University Munich (TU Munich) have published a groundbreaking study on the reinstatement of the retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) in chickens. This research sheds light on the mechanisms underlying the avian immune system's response to avian influenza (bird flu) and highlights the importance of this gene in preventing inflammatory responses.

Key Takeaways:

  • The investigators found that RIG-I is crucial in initiating the antiviral response in domestic chickens, which are susceptible to avian influenza.
  • Chickens lack RIG-I and RNF135, a ubiquitin ligase regulator, but these genes are conserved in mallard ducks, which are resistant to avian influenza.
  • The researchers reinstated both genes in chickens and observed that their expression potentiated the RIG-I activity, exacerbating the inflammatory response and increasing mortality without influencing virus replication.
  • The study found that the loss of RIG-I in chickens is linked to the increased susceptibility to avian influenza and has likely evolved to counteract the deleterious inflammation caused by viral infection.
  • The researchers also validated their findings using two other avian influenza viruses, indicating that the RIG-I-RNF135 expression can trigger harmful effects regardless of the virus's virulence.

Statistics:

  • 16: The volume number of Frontiers in Immunology, the journal that published the research.
  • 2025: The year in which the research was published.
  • 16: The issue number of Frontiers in Immunology, the journal that published the research.
  • 1680791: The Digital Object Identifier (DOI) of the research article.
  • 8709: The page number of the news report in TB & Outbreaks Week.
  • 100%: The increase in mortality observed in chickens with RIG-I-RNF135 expression.

Sources:

  • Genetic reinstatement of RIG-I in chickens reveals insights into avian immune evolution and influenza interaction. Frontiers in Immunology, 2025, 16. (Frontiers in Immunology - http://journal.frontiersin.org/journal/immunology).
  • TB & Outbreaks Week. October 21, 2025; p 8709.
  • NewsRx. Technical University Munich (TU Munich) Researchers Highlight Recent Research in Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) (Genetic reinstatement of RIG-I in chickens reveals insights into avian immune evolution and influenza interaction).

Read more