Chicken immune genes could help commercial breeders reduce viral infections
A collaborative study led by The Pirbright Institute and Imperial College London has identified variations in the genes of chicken antiviral proteins called interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) which could have an impact on their ability to fight viral infections. This is the first study to look at the natural genetic variation of IFITM genes across breeds, which could be used to inform commercial poultry breeding.