Currently, humanity lives in the verge of a world-wide epidemic of the H7N9 influenza A virus. This strain has turned out to be very virulent for humans and there have been many reported casualties already in several places around the globe. Concordantly, not much is known for the H7N9 strain. Herein, the authors intend to establish a modest database of current knowledge and informed opinion in different key areas of the H7N9 virus. The source of the virus, its infection routes and mutations remain unclear. Results of several recent studies will be further analyzed including clinical, virological and histopathological manifestations of H7N9, diagnosis modes and viral transmissibility. Treatment, vaccination and public concerns about a pandemic threat will be discussed as well. The present work is expected to act as an updated world reference for the H7N9 influenza A strain. Moreover, modes for tackling H7N9 will be proposed, focusing on RNA polymerase for further investigation as a potential pharmacological target. Hence, invaluable conclusions may be drawn that will lead to insights in the fight against the most recent and rather lethal H7N9 strain.
Identification of two residues within the NS1 of H7N9 influenza A virus that critically affect the protein stability and function
