NP, PB1, and PB2 viral genes contribute to altered replication of H5N1 avian influenza viruses in chickens.

ABSTRACT: The virulence determinants for highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are considered multigenic, although the best characterized virulence factor is the hemagglutinin (HA) cleavage site. The capability of influenza viruses to reassort gene segments is one potential way for new viruses to emerge with different virulence characteristics. To evaluate the role of other gene segments in virulence, we used reverse genetics to generate two H5N1 recombinant viruses with differing pathogenicity in chickens. Single-gene reassortants were used to determine which viral genes contribute to the altered virulence. Exchange of the PB1, PB2, and NP genes impacted replication of the reassortant viruses while also affecting the expression of specific host genes. Disruption of the parental virus' fu

SUBMITTER: Wasilenko JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2293025 | biostudies-literature | 2008 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature