Luca Bordes

Luca Bordes is a Researcher in Virology & Molecular Biology at Wageningen University, specializing in avian influenza viruses and their cross-species transmission potential. His work focuses on understanding viral fitness, pathogenicity, and host range of H5N1 viruses across multiple animal species.

Education:

• PhD in Virology & Molecular Biology, Wageningen University (completed May 16, 2025)

Dr. Bordes' research centers on highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, particularly H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b. He employs diverse methodologies including in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models to assess viral behavior across different host species. His work investigates viral replication in airway epithelial cells of various animals, transmission dynamics between species, and pathogenicity mechanisms.

His publication record shows a consistent focus on experimental infection models across multiple host systems including poultry, waterfowl, mammals (particularly ferrets), and livestock. This multi-system approach provides comprehensive insights into potential zoonotic transmission risks and viral adaptation mechanisms.

Dr. Bordes has presented research findings at academic conferences, including work on HPAI infection in wild red foxes and adaptive mutations. He has also provided expert media commentary on avian influenza transmission risks to humans.

His doctoral research project 'Virulence of avian influenza by genetic characterization using ex vivo' (2020-2025) was supervised by W. van der Poel and N. Beerens, establishing his expertise in advanced virological techniques and animal models.

Dr. Bordes' laboratory work prominently features airway epithelial cell culture techniques at air-liquid interface, enabling detailed investigation of viral replication and host responses across multiple animal species.