NIAID releases H5N1 research agenda with 4 primary objectives

After months of stress over the rising prevalence of H5N1, or avian influenza A, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has published a research agenda outlining investigative goals for ongoing research into this virus.

According to the NIH press release, H5N1 influenza viruses first emerged in 2003 and are circulating globally in 23 countries. These viruses most often impact wild birds and poultry, putting workers in close contact with them at risk.

However, more recently, a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus called HPAI H5N1 has spread beyond birds, impacting roughly 50 animal species, including dairy cows in Texas.

“Although the virus so far has not shown genetic evidence of acquiring the ability to spread from person to person, public health officials are closely monitoring the outbreak as part of overarching pandemic preparedness efforts,” stated the NIH in its press release.

This preparedness requires extensive research, which has led the NIAID to develop the NIAID Research Agenda for 2024 H5N1 Influenza. The research agenda focuses on four primary objectives.

The first objective is to increase our understanding of H5N1 viral biology and gather more data on factors influencing disease pathogenesis and transmission. Understanding viral epidemiology can provide context for other research on preventing or treating disease.

Under this objective, there are multiple focus areas. The first focus area centers on H5N1 virus epidemiology and genomic surveillance to understand disease spread within and between farms and examine genetic sequences. Another focus area is researching virus biology and pathogenicity to identify sites of viral replication, clinical signs of illness, and duration of viral shedding. Other focus areas include understanding drivers of viral transmission, gathering data on virus persistence and reservoirs, and assessing immune response to H5N1 viral infection.

The second objective is focused on developing and evaluating prevention strategies for H5N1.

The NIAID provides two primary focus areas under this objective: antigen discovery and vaccine development and adjuvant research. The NIAID is working on developing a universal influenza vaccine that offers protection against multiple subtypes of influenza, including H5N1.

The third research objective is focused on advancing existing and novel treatments for H5N1. This objective focuses on developing direct-acting therapeutics that address emerging antiviral resistance via new broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. The NIAID is also exploring monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics for pre-exposure prophylaxis or treatment of influenza infections.

The final objective prioritizes identifying strategies for viral detection, with the primary goal of developing in vitro diagnostic tools for H5N1.

These research objectives and the overarching agenda provide comprehensive goals for addressing the multifaceted components of H5N1 viral transmission.

“The NIAID H5N1 research agenda builds on the institute’s longstanding influenza research efforts. It addresses the current outbreak in US dairy cows, including potential human-to-human transmission of H5N1 influenza viruses. NIAID will leverage both its domestic and international research infrastructures to achieve the plan’s objectives,” concluded the press release.