Evolutionary Drivers of influenza A Host Switching and Pandemic Emergence

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Sep 1, 2026

MD4-02-03E, Microbiology, L2 Seminar Room

Abstract:

Successful zoonotic transmission of a virus from animals to humans is often associated with virus adaptation to the new host. Pandemic influenza A viruses emerge from a complex evolutionary past that involves multiple host jumps and the mixing of genes from avian, human and swine viruses. Here, Prof Smith will highlight the underlying evolutionary processes involved in a virus jumping and adapting to a new host and outline the relevant biological features of influenza A viruses that make them prime candidates for pandemic emergence, using the adaptation of avian influenza A viruses to pigs as an example. Despite the known threat from influenza A viruses, there remains a lack of global and systematic surveillance in livestock.

Biography:

Professor Smith received his primary training in ecology and evolution at The University of Melbourne and earned his PhD from The University of Hong Kong, where he also undertook his post-doctoral training in the Department of Microbiology. His research focuses on the ecology and evolution of zoonotic viruses and the genomic epidemiology of human respiratory pathogens. The ultimate goal of his research is to better understand virus ecosystems in Asia, particularly at the animal-human interface. A key component of his work is engaging with regional scientists to build local research and technical capacity for disease detection, prevention, and control.