As the world continues to grapple with evolving infectious diseases, scientists are increasingly turning to pigs in the fight against influenza. 

A team of international researchers, including experts from the University of Minnesota, believes treatments and vaccines that prove effective in pigs are more likely to succeed in humans compared to those developed using traditional small-animal models.

“We are entering an era where we can bridge the gap between laboratory discovery and human clinical success much more reliably,” said Montserrat Torremorell, professor and chair of the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. “By utilizing models that share our immune responses and vulnerability to the flu, we have a far better chance of designing defenses that can keep pace with viral mutations and prevent future pandemics.”

The team recently published its findings in Nature Reviews Immunology and notes that advances in genetic engineering, immunology, and imaging technologies are positioning pigs as one of the most promising models for developing next-generation vaccines and therapies against influenza A virus (IAV).

Despite decades of research, current influenza vaccines and antiviral drugs offer limited protection. Frequently updated to keep pace with viral mutations, they often fail to prevent transmission.

Pig lung anatomy, immune responses and susceptibility to influenza viruses are remarkably similar to those of humans. Pigs are natural hosts for IAV, and the virus behaves in them much as it does in humans. This makes findings from pig studies more likely to translate into effective human treatments.

Technological advances have significantly enhanced the utility of pigs in research. Scientists can now genetically modify pigs to better understand how specific immune cells or proteins influence infection. Breakthroughs in single-cell analysis are allowing scientists to map the pig immune system in unprecedented detail, revealing similarities between pig and human immune responses. 

Beyond their role as research models, pigs are also central to the global influenza ecosystem. With an estimated 1.5 billion pigs worldwide, pigs can become infected with human, avian, and swine influenza strains. This creates opportunities for viruses to exchange genetic material and form new variants with pandemic potential.

To fully unlock this potential, researchers emphasize the need for greater global collaboration. Standardising experimental methods, sharing resources and building international research networks will be essential to accelerate progress.

Pigs are already used to study other respiratory diseases, including coronaviruses and cystic fibrosis. Their role in medical research continues to expand, highlighted by recent breakthroughs such as experimental pig-to-human organ transplants.

The threat of a future flu pandemic also remains significant. Global population growth, expanding livestock industries, and increased human contact with wildlife have created ideal conditions for new strains of influenza to emerge. Seasonal flu alone already causes substantial illness and death each year, while also inflicting major economic losses on agriculture. 

As the world seeks better ways to prepare for future pandemics, pigs may offer a crucial bridge between laboratory science and long-lasting defences against influenza.