Haemagglutinin mutations responsible for the binding of H5N1 influenza A viruses to human-type receptors

Article Abstract:

Studies show that some H5N1 viruses isolated from humans could bind to both human and avian receptors, in contrast to those isolated from chickens and ducks, which recognize the avian receptors exclusively. Analysis of the crystal structure of the haemagglutinin (HA) from H5N1 virus used in the genetic experiments shows that the locations of these amino acids in the HA molecule are compatible with an effect on receptor binding which might serve as molecular markers for assessing the pandemic potential of H5N1 field isolates.

United Kingdom, Analysis, Gene mutations, Gene mutation, Genetic aspects, Glycoproteins, Crystals, Crystal structure

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Enhanced virulence of influenza A viruses with the haemagglutinin of the 1918 pandemic virus

Article Abstract:

A demonstration on the haemagglutinin (HA) of the 1918 virus confers enhanced pathogenicity in mice to recent human viruses that are otherwise non-pathogenic in this host. The study concludes that these highly virulent recombinant viruses expressing the 1918 viral HA could infect the entire lung and induce high levels of macrophage-derived chemokines and cytokines, which result in infiltration of inflammatory cells and severe haemorrhage, hallmarks of the illness produced during the original pandemic.

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Isolation of drug-resistant H5N1 virus

Article Abstract:

The isolation of an H5N1 avian influenza virus from a Vietnamese girl that is resistant to the drug oseltamivir, which is an inhibitor of the viral enzyme neuraminidase and is used for protection against and treatment of influenza, is reported. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring the emergence of drug resistance in H5N1 isolates from patients treated with neuraminidase inhibitors and suggests stockpiling zanamivir as well as oseltamivir in the event of influenza pandemic.

Health aspects, Prevention, Development and progression, Drug resistance, Zanamivir, Avian influenza, Oseltamivir phosphate

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