Metabolomic Profiling Reveals Key Biomarkers for Avian Influenza (H5N1)

Researchers from the Pathogenomics Lab at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) - National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the pathogenesis of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1. The study, published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, employed metabolomic profiling to identify key biomarkers associated with HPAI H5N1 infection in chickens. The research highlights the potential of metabolomics to aid in the development of effective control strategies against this highly pathogenic virus.

Key Takeaways:

• The study identified 31 and 13 altered metabolites in the lungs and serum of HPAI H5N1-infected chickens, respectively, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
• Key metabolites such as sphingosine, psychosine sulfate, and L-serine, which influence viral endocytosis and cell signaling, were significantly altered in infected chickens.
• The observed changes in sphingolipid and tryptophan metabolism provide insights into the mechanisms underlying lung and CNS pathology associated with HPAI H5N1 infection.
• The identification of specific metabolite alterations may guide future research aimed at mitigating the impact of this highly pathogenic virus.
• This study represents the first comprehensive metabolomic profiling of HPAI H5N1-infected chickens, offering valuable information for the development of novel therapeutics and control strategies.
• The research was conducted by Anuradha Panwar, Althaf Mohammed Kadamthodi, Akhila Hosur Shrungeswara, Periyasamy Vijayakumar, Thottethodi Subrahmanya Keshava Prasad, Ashwin Ashok Raut, and Anamika Mishra.
• The study offers valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying HPAI H5N1 infection and highlights the potential of metabolomics in developing effective control strategies against this highly pathogenic virus.

Statistics:

• 31 altered metabolites were identified in the lungs of HPAI H5N1-infected chickens.
• 13 altered metabolites were identified in the serum of HPAI H5N1-infected chickens.
• 22 and 15 altered metabolites were identified in the lung and serum, respectively, under positive and negative ionization modes.
• Sphingosine, psychosine sulfate, and L-serine were significantly altered in infected chickens.

Sources:

• Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 2025;15:1540290.
• NewsRx. Findings from Anuradha Panwar and Co-Authors Update Knowledge of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) [Metabolomic profiling and identification of potential biomarkers of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in chicken]. TB & Outbreaks Week. November 4, 2025; p 424.