Kate Sutton

Synergy between HA cleavage site sequence and NA-mediated plasminogen recruitment as a virulence mechanism for low pathogenic avian influenza

This study identifies a virulence mechanism in low pathogenic avian influenza viruses where neuraminidase recruits plasminogen to cleave hemagglutinin, enhancing pathogenicity.

The cow udder is a potential coinfection site for influenza A viruses

The study shows cow mammary gland cells can support replication of multiple IAV strains and are susceptible to co-infection with human and avian IAVs, suggesting the udder may act as a site for viral reassortment.