scholarly journals Predominance of a Drifted Influenza A (H3N2) Clade and Its Association with Age-Specific Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Variations, Influenza Season 2018–2019

Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aharona Glatman-Freedman ◽  
Rakefet Pando ◽  
Hanna Sefty ◽  
Itay Omer ◽  
Alina Rosenberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Gene Mutations ◽  
Vaccine Virus ◽  
Vaccine Effectiveness ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Amino Acid Substitutions ◽  
Ha Gene ◽  
H3n2 Vaccine

Background: Influenza A (H3N2) clade 3C.3a was the predominant influenza virus in Israel throughout the 2018-2019 season, constituting a drift from the influenza A (H3N2) vaccine. We estimated the end-of season vaccine effectiveness (VE) by age, among community patients with influenza-like illness (ILI), considering the hemagglutinin (HA) gene mutations and amino acid substitutions of influenza A (H3N2) viruses detected. Methods: Nose-throat samples were analyzed for the presence of influenza virus, type/subtype, and HA gene sequence. HA gene sequences and amino acid substitutions were compared to the influenza A/Singapore/INFIMH-16-0019/2016 (H3N2)-like 2018-2019 vaccine virus, and a phylogenetic tree was generated. Influenza VE against influenza A (H3N2) was estimated using the test-negative design. VE was estimated by age group and by 15 year moving age intervals. Results: In total, 90% of the influenza A (H3N2) viruses belonged to the 3C.3a clade, constituting a unique situation in the northern hemisphere. Adjusted all-age influenza A (H3N2) VE was −3.5% (95% CI: −51.2 to 29.1). Although adjusted VEs were very low among infants, children, and young adults, a VE of 45% (95% CI: −19.2 to 74.6) was estimated among adults aged ≥45 years old. Conclusions: The higher VE point estimates among older adults may be related to previous exposure to similar influenza viruses.

scholarly journals Multiple Natural Substitutions in Avian Influenza A Virus PB2 Facilitate Efficient Replication in Human Cells

2016 ◽  
Vol 90 (13) ◽  
pp. 5928-5938 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Mänz ◽  
Miranda de Graaf ◽  
Ramona Mögling ◽  
Mathilde Richard ◽  
Theo M. Bestebroer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Avian Influenza ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Polymerase Activity ◽  
Host Adaptation ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Amino Acid Substitutions ◽  
Avian Influenza A Virus

ABSTRACTA strong restriction of the avian influenza A virus polymerase in mammalian cells generally limits viral host-range switching. Although substitutions like E627K in the PB2 polymerase subunit can facilitate polymerase activity to allow replication in mammals, many human H5N1 and H7N9 viruses lack this adaptive substitution. Here, several previously unknown, naturally occurring, adaptive substitutions in PB2 were identified by bioinformatics, and their enhancing activity was verified usingin vitroassays. Adaptive substitutions enhanced polymerase activity and virus replication in mammalian cells for avian H5N1 and H7N9 viruses but not for a partially human-adapted H5N1 virus. Adaptive substitutions toward basic amino acids were frequent and were mostly clustered in a putative RNA exit channel in a polymerase crystal structure. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated divergent dependency of influenza viruses on adaptive substitutions. The novel adaptive substitutions found in this study increase basic understanding of influenza virus host adaptation and will help in surveillance efforts.IMPORTANCEInfluenza viruses from birds jump the species barrier into humans relatively frequently. Such influenza virus zoonoses may pose public health risks if the virus adapts to humans and becomes a pandemic threat. Relatively few amino acid substitutions—most notably in the receptor binding site of hemagglutinin and at positions 591 and 627 in the polymerase protein PB2—have been identified in pandemic influenza virus strains as determinants of host adaptation, to facilitate efficient virus replication and transmission in humans. Here, we show that substantial numbers of amino acid substitutions are functionally compensating for the lack of the above-mentioned mutations in PB2 and could facilitate influenza virus emergence in humans.

scholarly journals Genetic diversity of influenza A viruses circulating in Bulgaria during the 2018–2019 winter season

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (7) ◽  
pp. 986-998
Author(s):  
Neli Korsun ◽  
Rodney Daniels ◽  
Svetla Angelova ◽  
Burcu Ermetal ◽  
Iliyana Grigorova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Amino Acid Sequence ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Vaccine Virus ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Amino Acid Substitutions ◽  
Influenza A Viruses ◽  
Antigenic Sites

Introduction. Influenza viruses evolve rapidly and change their antigenic characteristics, necessitating biannual updates of flu vaccines. Aim. The aim of this study was to characterize influenza viruses circulating in Bulgaria during the 2018/2019 season and to identify amino acid substitutions in them that might impact vaccine effectiveness. Methodology. Typing/subtyping of influenza viruses were performed using real-time Reverse Transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and results of phylogenetic and amino acid sequence analyses of influenza strains are presented. Results. A(H1N1)pdm09 (66 %) predominated over A(H3N2) (34 %) viruses, with undetected circulation of B viruses in the 2018/2019 season. All A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses studied fell into the recently designated 6B.1A subclade with over 50 % falling in four subgroups: 6B.1A2, 6B.1A5, 6B.1A6 and 6B.1A7. Analysed A(H3N2) viruses belonged to subclades 3C.2a1b and 3C.2a2. Amino acid sequence analysis of 36 A(H1N1)pdm09 isolates revealed the presence of six–ten substitutions in haemagglutinin (HA), compared to the A/Michigan/45/2015 vaccine virus, three of which occurred in antigenic sites Sa and Cb, together with four–nine changes at positions in neuraminidase (NA), and a number of substitutions in internal proteins. HA1 D222N substitution, associated with increased virulence, was identified in two A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses. Despite the presence of several amino acid substitutions, A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses remained antigenically similar to the vaccine virus. The 28 A(H3N2) viruses characterized carried substitutions in HA, including some in antigenic sites A, B, C and E, in NA and internal protein sequences. Conclusion. The results of this study showed the genetic diversity of circulating influenza viruses and the need for continuous antigenic and molecular surveillance.

scholarly journals S-Acylation of Proteins of Coronavirus and Influenza Virus: Conservation of Acylation Sites in Animal Viruses and DHHC Acyltransferases in Their Animal Reservoirs

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 669
Author(s):  
Dina A. Abdulrahman ◽  
Xiaorong Meng ◽  
Michael Veit
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Ion Channels ◽  
Substrate Specificity ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
3D Structure ◽  
Viral Fitness ◽  
Amino Acid Substitutions ◽  
Essential Function ◽  
Animal Reservoirs

Recent pandemics of zoonotic origin were caused by members of coronavirus (CoV) and influenza A (Flu A) viruses. Their glycoproteins (S in CoV, HA in Flu A) and ion channels (E in CoV, M2 in Flu A) are S-acylated. We show that viruses of all genera and from all hosts contain clusters of acylated cysteines in HA, S and E, consistent with the essential function of the modification. In contrast, some Flu viruses lost the acylated cysteine in M2 during evolution, suggesting that it does not affect viral fitness. Members of the DHHC family catalyze palmitoylation. Twenty-three DHHCs exist in humans, but the number varies between vertebrates. SARS-CoV-2 and Flu A proteins are acylated by an overlapping set of DHHCs in human cells. We show that these DHHC genes also exist in other virus hosts. Localization of amino acid substitutions in the 3D structure of DHHCs provided no evidence that their activity or substrate specificity is disturbed. We speculate that newly emerged CoVs or Flu viruses also depend on S-acylation for replication and will use the human DHHCs for that purpose. This feature makes these DHHCs attractive targets for pan-antiviral drugs.

scholarly journals Characterization of H9N2 influenza A viruses isolated from chicken products imported into Japan from China

2006 ◽  
Vol 135 (3) ◽  
pp. 386-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. MASE ◽  
M. ETO ◽  
K. IMAI ◽  
K. TSUKAMOTO ◽  
S. YAMAGUCHI
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Avian Influenza ◽  
Avian Influenza Virus ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
H9n2 Virus ◽  
Amino Acid Substitutions ◽  
Influenza A Viruses ◽  
Potential Sources

We characterized eleven H9N2 influenza A viruses isolated from chicken products imported from China. Genetically they were classified into six distinct genotypes, including five already known genotypes and one novel genotype. This suggested that such multiple genotypes of the H9N2 virus have possibly already become widespread and endemic in China. Two isolates have amino-acid substitutions that confer resistance to amantadine in the M2 region, and this supported the evidence that this mutation might be a result of the wide application of amantadine for avian influenza treatment in China. These findings emphasize the importance of surveillance for avian influenza virus in this region, and of quarantining imported chicken products as potential sources for the introduction of influenza virus.

scholarly journals Functional Analysis of PA Binding by Influenza A Virus PB1: Effects on Polymerase Activity and Viral Infectivity

2001 ◽  
Vol 75 (17) ◽  
pp. 8127-8136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel R. Perez ◽  
Ruben O. Donis
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Viral Replication ◽  
Influenza A Virus ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Amino Acid Sequences ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Virus Growth ◽  
Transcription And Replication

ABSTRACT Influenza A virus expresses three viral polymerase (P) subunits—PB1, PB2, and PA—all of which are essential for RNA and viral replication. The functions of P proteins in transcription and replication have been partially elucidated, yet some of these functions seem to be dependent on the formation of a heterotrimer for optimal viral RNA transcription and replication. Although it is conceivable that heterotrimer subunit interactions may allow a more efficient catalysis, direct evidence of their essentiality for viral replication is lacking. Biochemical studies addressing the molecular anatomy of the P complexes have revealed direct interactions between PB1 and PB2 as well as between PB1 and PA. Previous studies have shown that the N-terminal 48 amino acids of PB1, termed domain α, contain the residues required for binding PA. We report here the refined mapping of the amino acid sequences within this small region of PB1 that are indispensable for binding PA by deletion mutagenesis of PB1 in a two-hybrid assay. Subsequently, we used site-directed mutagenesis to identify the critical amino acid residues of PB1 for interaction with PA in vivo. The first 12 amino acids of PB1 were found to constitute the core of the interaction interface, thus narrowing the previous boundaries of domain α. The role of the minimal PB1 domain α in influenza virus gene expression and genome replication was subsequently analyzed by evaluating the activity of a set of PB1 mutants in a model reporter minigenome system. A strong correlation was observed between a functional PA binding site on PB1 and P activity. Influenza viruses bearing mutant PB1 genes were recovered using a plasmid-based influenza virus reverse genetics system. Interestingly, mutations that rendered PB1 unable to bind PA were either nonviable or severely growth impaired. These data are consistent with an essential role for the N terminus of PB1 in binding PA, P activity, and virus growth.

scholarly journals Evolution and Adaptation of the Avian H7N9 Virus into the Human Host

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 778
Author(s):  
Andrew T. Bisset ◽  
Gerard F. Hoyne
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Avian Influenza ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Amino Acid Sequences ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Amino Acid Substitutions ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Viral Polymerase ◽  
Evolutionary Changes ◽  
Avian Origin

Influenza viruses arise from animal reservoirs, and have the potential to cause pandemics. In 2013, low pathogenic novel avian influenza A(H7N9) viruses emerged in China, resulting from the reassortment of avian-origin viruses. Following evolutionary changes, highly pathogenic strains of avian influenza A(H7N9) viruses emerged in late 2016. Changes in pathogenicity and virulence of H7N9 viruses have been linked to potential mutations in the viral glycoproteins hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), as well as the viral polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2). Recognizing that effective viral transmission of the influenza A virus (IAV) between humans requires efficient attachment to the upper respiratory tract and replication through the viral polymerase complex, experimental evidence demonstrates the potential H7N9 has for increased binding affinity and replication, following specific amino acid substitutions in HA and PB2. Additionally, the deletion of extended amino acid sequences in the NA stalk length was shown to produce a significant increase in pathogenicity in mice. Research shows that significant changes in transmissibility, pathogenicity and virulence are possible after one or a few amino acid substitutions. This review aims to summarise key findings from that research. To date, all strains of H7N9 viruses remain restricted to avian reservoirs, with no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission, although mutations in specific viral proteins reveal the efficacy with which these viruses could evolve into a highly virulent and infectious, human-to-human transmitted virus.

scholarly journals Plasticity of the Influenza Virus H5 HA Protein

mBio ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huihui Kong ◽  
David F. Burke ◽  
Tiago Jose da Silva Lopes ◽  
Kosuke Takada ◽  
Masaki Imai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Viral Antigen ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Influenza A Viruses ◽  
Highly Pathogenic ◽  
Antigenic Properties ◽  
Ha Protein

ABSTRACT Since the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the H5 subtype, the major viral antigen, hemagglutinin (HA), has undergone constant evolution, resulting in numerous genetic and antigenic (sub)clades. To explore the consequences of amino acid changes at sites that may affect the antigenicity of H5 viruses, we simultaneously mutated 17 amino acid positions of an H5 HA by using a synthetic gene library that, theoretically, encodes all combinations of the 20 amino acids at the 17 positions. All 251 mutant viruses sequenced possessed ≥13 amino acid substitutions in HA, demonstrating that the targeted sites can accommodate a substantial number of mutations. Selection with ferret sera raised against H5 viruses of different clades resulted in the isolation of 39 genotypes. Further analysis of seven variants demonstrated that they were antigenically different from the parental virus and replicated efficiently in mammalian cells. Our data demonstrate the substantial plasticity of the influenza virus H5 HA protein, which may lead to novel antigenic variants. IMPORTANCE The HA protein of influenza A viruses is the major viral antigen. In this study, we simultaneously introduced mutations at 17 amino acid positions of an H5 HA expected to affect antigenicity. Viruses with ≥13 amino acid changes in HA were viable, and some had altered antigenic properties. H5 HA can therefore accommodate many mutations in regions that affect antigenicity. The substantial plasticity of H5 HA may facilitate the emergence of novel antigenic variants.

scholarly journals MOLECULAR AND GENETIC CHARACTERISTICS OF SURFACE AND NONSTRUCTURE PROTEINS OF PANDEMIC INFLUENZA VIRUSES A(H1N1)PDM09 IN 2015-2016 EPIDEMIC SEASON

2016 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 44-48
Author(s):  
O. Smutko ◽  
L. Radchenko ◽  
A. Mironenko
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Pandemic Influenza ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Phylogenetic Trees ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Amino Acid Substitutions ◽  
Ns1 Protein ◽  
Genetic Characteristics ◽  
Epidemic Season ◽  
Influenza A H1n1

The aim of the present study was identifying of molecular and genetic changes in hemaglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA) and non-structure protein (NS1) genes of pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 strains, that circulated in Ukraine during 2015-2016 epidemic season. Samples (nasopharyngeal swabs from patients) were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR). Phylogenetic trees were constructed using MEGA 7 software. 3D structures were constructed in Chimera 1.11.2rc software. Viruses were collected in 2015-2016 season fell into genetic group 6B and in two emerging subgroups, 6B.1 and 6B.2 by gene of HA and NA. Subgroups 6B.1 and 6B.2 are defined by the following amino acid substitutions. In the NS1 protein were identified new amino acid substitutions D2E, N48S, and E125D in 2015-2016 epidemic season. Specific changes were observed in HA protein antigenic sites, but viruses saved similarity to vaccine strain. NS1 protein acquired substitution associated with increased virulence of the influenza virus.

scholarly journals Rewiring the RNAs of influenza virus to prevent reassortment

2009 ◽  
Vol 106 (37) ◽  
pp. 15891-15896 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qinshan Gao ◽  
Peter Palese
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Influenza A Virus ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Nonstructural Protein ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Ha Gene ◽  
Ns Gene ◽  
Virus Rna ◽  
Reassortant Viruses ◽  
Packaging Signals

Influenza viruses contain segmented, negative-strand RNA genomes. Genome segmentation facilitates reassortment between different influenza virus strains infecting the same cell. This phenomenon results in the rapid exchange of RNA segments. In this study, we have developed a method to prevent the free reassortment of influenza A virus RNAs by rewiring their packaging signals. Specific packaging signals for individual influenza virus RNA segments are located in the 5′ and 3′ noncoding regions as well as in the terminal regions of the ORF of an RNA segment. By putting the nonstructural protein (NS)-specific packaging sequences onto the ORF of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene and mutating the packaging regions in the ORF of the HA, we created a chimeric HA segment with the packaging identity of an NS gene. By the same strategy, we made an NS gene with the packaging identity of an HA segment. This rewired virus had the packaging signals for all eight influenza virus RNAs, but it lost the ability to independently reassort its HA or NS gene. A similar approach can be applied to the other influenza A virus segments to diminish their ability to form reassortant viruses.

scholarly journals Molecular Changes in the Polymerase Genes (PA and PB1) Associated with High Pathogenicity of H5N1 Influenza Virus in Mallard Ducks

2007 ◽  
Vol 81 (16) ◽  
pp. 8515-8524 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Hulse-Post ◽  
J. Franks ◽  
K. Boyd ◽  
R. Salomon ◽  
E. Hoffmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Gene Mutations ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
H5n1 Influenza Virus ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Small Plaque ◽  
Highly Pathogenic ◽  
Large Plaque ◽  
Ha Gene ◽  
H5n1 Influenza

ABSTRACT The highly pathogenic (HP) influenza viruses H5 and H7 are usually nonpathogenic in mallard ducks. However, the currently circulating HP H5N1 viruses acquired a different phenotype and are able to cause mortality in mallards. To establish the molecular basis of this phenotype, we cloned the human A/Vietnam/1203/04 (H5N1) influenza virus isolate that is highly pathogenic in ferrets, mice, and mallards and found it to be a heterogeneous mixture. Large-plaque isolates were highly pathogenic to ducks, mice, and ferrets, whereas small-plaque isolates were nonpathogenic in these species. Sequence analysis of the entire genome revealed that the small-plaque and the large-plaque isolates differed in the coding of five amino acids. There were two differences in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene (K52T and A544V), one in the PA gene (T515A), and two in the PB1 gene (K207R and Y436H). We inserted the amino acid changes into the wild-type reverse genetic virus construct to assess their effects on pathogenicity in vivo. The HA gene mutations and the PB1 gene K207R mutation did not alter the HP phenotype of the large-plaque virus, whereas constructs with the PA (T515A) and PB1 (Y436H) gene mutations were nonpathogenic in orally inoculated ducks. The PB1 (Y436H) construct was not efficiently transmitted in ducks, whereas the PA (T515A) construct replicated as well as the wild-type virus did and was transmitted efficiently. These results show that the PA and PB1 genes of HP H5N1 influenza viruses are associated with lethality in ducks. The mechanisms of lethality and the perpetuation of this lethal phenotype in ducks in nature remain to be determined.

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