Dr Amy Boyd

Research

Influenza viruses are highly contagious, continually evolving zoonotic pathogens which cause lethal disease outbreaks in poultry, pigs and humans. The ability of influenza viruses to cross species barriers necessitates the development of strategies for prevention and control which target multiple species. The Jenner Institute supports the aims of the “One Health” initiative, which recognises the link between human, animal and ecosystem health and seeks to promote and improve the relationships between health professionals from medical and veterinary backgrounds.

My current research in collaboration with the Institute for Animal Health (IAH) seeks to develop recombinant viral vaccines against influenza using avian and porcine models. Poultry in particular pose a unique set of challenges for vaccination as relatively little is known about the avian immune system compared with that of mammals. In addition to the obvious implications for public health, vaccinating food animals is important for food security which is an issue of increasing concern as the global population expands.

Key Publications

Boyd A, Philbin VJ, Smith AL. Conserved and distinct aspects of the avian Toll-like receptor (TLR) system: implications for transmission and control of bird-borne zoonoses. Biochemical Society Transactions. 2007 Dec;35 (Pt 6):1504-7.