Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Response to Influenza in Grey Seals (Halichoerus grypus), a Potential Wild Reservoir.

ABSTRACT: RNA viruses are infamous for their ability to cross species barriers, posing threats to global health and security. Influenza A virus (IAV) is naturally found in avian hosts but periodically spills over into marine wildlife. IAV outbreaks occur in the Northwest Atlantic, but grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) appear to be less susceptible to IAV compared to other species. The subclinical nature of IAV infection in addition to life history factors suggest grey seals are a potential wild reservoir host for IAV. We investigated differential gene expression among grey seals naturally exposed to IAV to elucidate genetic mechanisms involved in grey seal disease resistance. RNA sequencing was conducted on blood samples (N = 31) collected from grey seal pups in Massachusetts, US between 2014 and 2019

SUBMITTER: McCosker CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12288799 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature