Study finds immune cells may help fight H5N1 virus in humans

New research from the La Jolla Institute for Immunology indicates that many people may have immune cells ready to combat the H5N1 virus, also known as bird flu. This follows the virus's emergence in 2022 and its spread among animals. The study found similarities between H5N1 and common seasonal flu viruses, suggesting that many individuals possess T cells that can recognize and respond to H5N1. This could potentially reduce disease severity if the virus mutates to infect humans. Researchers plan to further investigate the strength of these T cell responses and are prepared to analyze human immune cells if H5N1 begins to spread among people. Currently, there are no known cases of human-to-human transmission.