The influence of passive antibodies on influenza A virus dynamics and adaptive immune responses in pigs

PhD defence by Kasper Pedersen

Assessment Committee

Associate professor Inge Larsen, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)
Associate professor Tina Sørensen Dalgaard, Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University
Professor Enrique Maria Mateu de Antonio, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Department of Animal Health and Anatomy

Supervisors

Professor Lars Erik Larsen
Research Professor Gregers Jungersen
Assistant Professor Pia Ryt-Hansen
PhD, DVM Nicolai Rosager Weber

Department

Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences

Graduate Programme

Veterinary, Animal Health and Microbiological Sciences

Place

Building: Hovedbygningen, Frederiksberg Campus, Room: Festauditoriet (Auditorium A 1-01.14), Bülowsvej 17, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark

Email address to gain access to the thesis: kasper.pedersen@sund.ku.dk.
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Short description of the thesis

Influenza A virus is a widespread respiratory pathogen in pigs, affecting animal health and posing challenges for disease control. Newborn piglets receive antibodies from their mothers, providing essential protection during early life. However, these maternally derived antibodies may also interfere with the development of the piglets' own immune responses following infection or vaccination. This PhD project investigates how passively acquired antibodies influence influenza A virus infection, viral shedding, and the development of long-term immunity in pigs. By exploring the balance between early protection and immune development, the findings contribute to a better understanding of influenza immunity and may help improve vaccination strategies and disease control in pig populations.