Host genotype and sex influence evolutionary trajectories and defective genome formation in influenza virus

This study examines how host genotype, sex, and multiple infections modulate influenza A virus (IAV) evolution and defective viral genome (DVG) formation in vertebrate hosts. By experimentally adapting IAV in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, we identify host-dependent selection patterns, sex-specific adaptation, and the impact of multiple infections on viral diversity and virulence. These findings are relevant for understanding host-driven viral evolution, transmission dynamics, and immune interactions, with implications for pathogen adaptation and disease control strategies.