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Review
. 2015 May:479-480:234-46.
doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2015.03.009. Epub 2015 Mar 24.

Transmission of influenza A viruses

Gabriele Neumann  1 , Yoshihiro Kawaoka  2
Affiliations
Review

Transmission of influenza A viruses

Gabriele Neumann et al. Virology. 2015 May.

Abstract

Influenza A viruses cause respiratory infections that range from asymptomatic to deadly in humans. Widespread outbreaks (pandemics) are attributable to 'novel' viruses that possess a viral hemagglutinin (HA) gene to which humans lack immunity. After a pandemic, these novel viruses form stable virus lineages in humans and circulate until they are replaced by other novel viruses. The factors and mechanisms that facilitate virus transmission among hosts and the establishment of novel lineages are not completely understood, but the HA and basic polymerase 2 (PB2) proteins are thought to play essential roles in these processes by enabling avian influenza viruses to infect mammals and replicate efficiently in their new host. Here, we summarize our current knowledge of the contributions of HA, PB2, and other viral components to virus transmission and the formation of new virus lineages.

Keywords: Gain-of-function; HA; Influenza virus; NA; PB2; Receptor-binding; Transmission; Virus lineage.

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Figures

Figure
Figure. Location of the PB2 residues 253, 256, 339, and 526, which affect viral replication
Shown is the three-dimensional structure of an influenza A virus polymerase complex (Protein Data Bank ID 4WSB). The PB2, PB1, and PA subunits are shown in gold, blue, and gray, respectively. PB2 residues 253, 256, 339, and 526 are indicated in blue, red, green, and orange, respectively. (A) Surface view. (B) ‘Ribbon view’ to depict α-helices and β-sheets. Amino acid spheres are shown for PB2 residues 253, 256, 339, and 526. (C) Enlarged view of (B).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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