Importance of 1918 virus reconstruction to current assessments of pandemic risk

Abstract

Reconstruction of the 1918 influenza virus has facilitated considerable advancements in our understanding of this extraordinary pandemic virus. However, the benefits of virus reconstruction are not limited to this one strain. Here, we provide an overview of laboratory studies which have evaluated the reconstructed 1918 virus, and highlight key discoveries about determinants of virulence and transmissibility associated with this virus in mammals. We further discuss recent and current pandemic threats from avian and swine reservoirs, and provide specific examples of how reconstruction of the 1918 pandemic virus has improved our ability to contextualize research employing novel and emerging strains. As influenza viruses continue to evolve and pose a threat to human health, studying past pandemic viruses is key to future preparedness efforts.

Keywords: 1918 influenza virus; Influenza viruses; Pandemic virus; Pathogenesis.

Fig. 1.

Selected benefits of 1918 virus reconstruction on contemporary public health pandemic preparedness. Individual studies supporting these and other roles of 1918 virus reconstruction are discussed throughout the text and may be found in (Buhnerkempe et al., 2015; Giles et al., 2012; Jagger et al., 2012; Pearce et al., 2012a; Tumpey and Belser, 2009; Watanabe et al., 2014; Worobey et al., 2014).