Comprehensive mapping of adaptation of the avian influenza polymerase protein PB2 to humans.

ABSTRACT: Viruses like influenza are infamous for their ability to adapt to new hosts. Retrospective studies of natural zoonoses and passaging in the lab have identified a modest number of host-adaptive mutations. However, it is unclear if these mutations represent all ways that influenza can adapt to a new host. Here we take a prospective approach to this question by completely mapping amino-acid mutations to the avian influenza virus polymerase protein PB2 that enhance growth in human cells. We identify numerous previously uncharacterized human-adaptive mutations. These mutations cluster on PB2's surface, highlighting potential interfaces with host factors. Some previously uncharacterized adaptive mutations occur in avian-to-human transmission of H7N9 influenza, showing their importance for natura

SUBMITTER: Soh YS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6491042 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature