Scientists at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte have used advanced artificial intelligence models, including AlphaFold 3, to analyze over 1,800 viral proteins of the H5N1 avian influenza virus. Their findings reveal that the virus has evolved mechanisms that reduce the binding affinity of human antibodies, signaling growing immune evasion capabilities. This molecular evolution poses challenges for existing vaccines and underscores the urgent need for adaptive strategies against the expanding threat, which includes cases of human infections and fatalities such as one documented in the U.S.