A University of North Carolina study using AlphaFold 3 protein structure predictions combined with AI and physics-based modeling reveals that the H5N1 avian influenza virus has evolved mutations diminishing antibody binding affinity. Analysis across 1,800 viral proteins indicates increased immune evasion capabilities over the past decade, raising concerns about vaccine efficacy and pandemic risk. Lead computational biologist Colby T. Ford notes significant molecular changes, emphasizing the need for vigilant surveillance to inform public health preparedness against this mutating pathogen.