Bat-specific adaptations in interferon signaling and GBP1 contribute to enhanced antiviral capacity

We characterized antiviral pathways in two divergent bat species, Pteropus alecto and Eptesicus fuscus, identifying unique mechanisms underlying their enhanced control of viral infection. We generated species-matched IFNb for both bat species and humans and treated the respective cell lines for 6 hours with 1 U of IFNb. Samples were then sent for RNA sequencing to examine and compare the genes induced upon stimulation.