Molecular Evolution of the H5 and H7 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Haemagglutinin Cleavage Site Motif.

ABSTRACT: Avian influenza viruses are ubiquitous in the Anatinae subfamily of aquatic birds and occasionally spill over to poultry. Infection with low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses generally leads to subclinical or mild clinical disease. In contrast, highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses emerge from low pathogenic forms and can cause severe disease associated with extraordinarily high mortality rates. Here, we describe the natural history of avian influenza virus, with a focus on H5Nx and H7Nx subtypes, and the emergence of highly pathogenic forms; we review the biology of AIV; we examine cleavage of haemagglutinin by host cell enzymes with a particular emphasis on the biochemical properties of the proprotein convertases, and trypsin and trypsin-like proteases; we describe mechanisms imp

SUBMITTER: Luczo JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11680514 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature