Influenza A virus PB1-F2 protein contributes to viral pathogenesis in mice.

ABSTRACT: The influenza virus PB1-F2 protein is a novel protein previously shown to be involved in induction of cell death. Here we characterize the expression and the function of the protein within the context of influenza viral infection in tissue culture and a mouse model. We show that the C-terminal region of the protein can be expressed from a downstream initiation codon and is capable of interaction with the full-length protein. Using this knowledge, we generated influenza viruses knocked out for the expression of PB1-F2 protein and its downstream truncation products. Knocking out the PB1-F2 protein had no effect on viral replication in tissue culture but diminished virus pathogenicity and mortality in mice. The viruses replicated to similar levels in mouse lungs by day 3 postinfection, sugges

SUBMITTER: Zamarin D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1563817 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature