Contemporary Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) Viruses Retain Neurotropism in Human Cerebral Organoids.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses are widely circulating in North America with unprecedented transmission into novel host species. A high incidence of neurologic disease is observed in carnivores infected with clade 2.3.4.4b HPAI H5N1 viruses, and historical outbreaks of HPAI H5N1 in humans are also associated with neurologic complications, raising concerns about neurotropism and neurovirulence of clade 2.3.4.4b HPAI H5N1 viruses.

Methods

We analyzed virus replication kinetics, cellular tropism, and host responses to infection in human cerebral organoids (hCOs) inoculated with clade 2.3.4.4b HPAI H5N1 viruses compared to a historical clade 1 HPAI H5N1 virus and a 2007 seasonal influenza A virus.

Results

HPAI H5N1 viruses r

SUBMITTER: Goldin K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12757585 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature