Colin Sharp

This study investigates the evolutionary flexibility of influenza A virus splicing by testing mutations in SD and SA sites, finding that small changes can activate alternative splicing and produce viable variants with altered ion channel and M1 proteins.

The study shows cow mammary gland cells can support replication of multiple IAV strains and are susceptible to co-infection with human and avian IAVs, suggesting the udder may act as a site for viral reassortment.