Genetic Evolution, Pathogenesis, and Cross-Species Transmission of Influenza Viruses in Diverse Host Species

Influenza virus research has advanced substantially in recent decades, particularly in understanding genetic reassortment and host adaptation mechanisms that drive the emergence of highly pathogenic strains. While wild aquatic birds remain key natural reservoirs, increasing evidence highlights the critical roles of diverse host species including poultry, swine, cattle, and other wildlife in shaping viral evolution and transmission dynamics. Recent outbreaks involving H5Nx subtypes further underscore the complexity and unpredictability of influenza virus emergence across interconnected host systems.Despite these advances, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding the molecular determinants of host adaptation, the mechanisms enabling cross-species transmission, and the environmental and agricultural interfaces that facilitate viral evolution. Addressing these challenges requires an integrative, multi-host perspective aligned with the One Health framework.This Research Topic welcomes contributions that investigate influenza virus circulation, adaptation, and cross-species transmission in domestic and wild hosts, while limiting its scope to animal and environmental reservoirs and excluding exclusive focus on human infection. To gather further insight into the complexity of influenza virus evolution and spread, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Molecular mechanisms of genetic reassortment and emergence of novel influenza genotypeso Epidemiology and surveillance of influenza viruses in poultry, swine, cattle, wild birds, and other animal hostso Host–virus interactions driving adaptation, virulence, and pathogenesiso Environmental, agricultural, and ecological influences on viral evolution and transmissiono Cross-species and interfacial transmission pathways, including animal–environment–human interfaceso Strategies for outbreak preparedness, risk assessment, and development of vaccines and antiviral interventions Topic editors: Mohammed Rohaim, Shilong Chen, Giulia Graziosi, Phelipe Magalhães Duarte Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80837/genetic-evolution-pathogenesis-and-cross-species-transmission-of-influenza-viruses-in-diverse-host-species