Enhanced Human-Type Receptor Binding by Ferret-Transmissible H5N1 with a K193T Mutation.

ABSTRACT: All human influenza pandemics have originated from avian influenza viruses. Although multiple changes are needed for an avian virus to be able to transmit between humans, binding to human-type receptors is essential. Several research groups have reported mutations in H5N1 viruses that exhibit specificity for human-type receptors and promote respiratory droplet transmission between ferrets. Upon detailed analysis, we have found that these mutants exhibit significant differences in fine receptor specificity compared to human H1N1 and H3N2 and retain avian-type receptor binding. We have recently shown that human influenza viruses preferentially bind to α2-6-sialylated branched N-linked glycans, where the sialic acids on each branch can bind to receptor sites on two protomers of the same hemag

SUBMITTER: Peng W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5923085 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature