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The M1 matrix protein controls the filamentous phenotype of influenza A virus

C J Elleman1, W S Barclay

  • 1School of Animal and Microbial Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AJ, UK.

Virology
|March 23, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Most influenza A virus isolates cause filamentous changes in cells, unlike lab-adapted strains. The M1 protein

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Influenza A virus strains exhibit varied cell morphology post-infection.
  • Laboratory passage and mouse adaptation can alter viral characteristics, including cell shape induction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the viral factors regulating filamentous changes in influenza A virus-infected cells.
  • To identify specific viral proteins and mutations responsible for the filamentous phenotype.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized reverse genetics to create recombinant influenza A viruses.
  • Introduced mutations into the M1 protein of influenza A virus.
  • Assessed viral morphology and antibody sensitivity of recombinant viruses.

Main Results:

  • Most wild-type influenza A virus isolates induce filamentous changes, unlike highly passaged strains.
  • The M1 protein regulates the filamentous phenotype, with specific residues involved.
  • A mutation at position 41 of the M1 protein abolished the filamentous phenotype and conferred antibody resistance.
  • Transfer of the filamentous phenotype was achieved by introducing three mutations in the M1 protein.

Conclusions:

  • The M1 protein sequence is a key determinant of the filamentous phenotype in influenza A virus-infected cells.
  • Specific regions and residues within the M1 protein, potentially interacting, govern this complex trait.
  • Understanding these viral properties can inform studies on influenza virus evolution and pathogenesis.

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