Immunoinformatics: A Veritable Toolbox for Livestock Omics and Veterinomics.

Abstract

Immunoinformatics, an integrative field consisting of bioinformatics and immunology, has showcased its potential in addressing zoonotic diseases, as evidenced during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, its application in livestock health remains largely untapped. This opinion commentary explores how immunoinformatics, combined with advancements in genomics, multi-omics integration, and genome editing technologies, can revolutionize livestock management by enhancing disease resistance, vaccine development, and productivity. We examine the current and critical challenges, such as limited breed-specific data, computational barriers, and economic constraints, while highlighting the transformative potential of immunoinformatics in addressing these issues. We underscore the importance of leveraging immunoinformatics to bridge the phenotype-genotype gap, develop effective diagnostics and vaccines, and tackle emerging pathogens with zoonotic potential. By emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and the need for accessible veterinomics solutions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, we outline herein the actionable steps to harness immunoinformatics for sustainable livestock management and global food security. In all, this opinion commentary aims to inspire a renewed focus on and veritable innovations in planetary health by unpacking and recognizing immunoinformatics' key role in shaping the future of veterinomics, the convergence of veterinary medicine with omics systems science, in the pursuit of agricultural sustainability.