News > Scientists isolate human genes able to fend off most bird flu viruses

Scientists isolate human genes able to fend off most bird flu viruses

Researchers in the UK have identified a human gene, BTN3A3, that inhibits most bird flu viruses from infecting humans. The gene blocks the replication of bird flu strains in human cells but does not protect against seasonal human flu viruses. This finding suggests that BTN3A3 plays a  role in determining the potential for bird flu strains to cause a human pandemic. However, viruses can mutate, so monitoring is necessary.