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Updated: May 9, 2026
07:25
Measuring Attachment and Internalization of Influenza A Virus in A549 Cells by Flow Cytometry
Published on: November 4, 2015
Entry of influenza virus
Xiangjie Sun1, Gary R Whittaker
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|July 26, 2013
Summary
Influenza virus infection begins with binding to sialic acid receptors. Understanding these interactions and cellular entry mechanisms is key to preventing influenza transmission and adapting to new hosts.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Influenza virus is a significant pathogen causing widespread human and animal disease.
- Viral infection initiates through binding to specific sialic acid receptors on host cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of influenza virus transmission and host adaptation.
- To detail the cellular entry pathways of influenza viruses.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of influenza virus receptor binding specificity.
- Visualization of viral internalization via endocytic pathways at the single-particle level.
- Investigation of viral entry and genome release mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Influenza virus utilizes specific sialic acid linkages (α-2,3 or α-2,6) for cellular attachment.
- Viral entry occurs through clathrin-dependent and non-clathrin-dependent endocytic pathways.
- Low pH-dependent fusion of the viral envelope with endosomal membranes facilitates genome release.
Conclusions:
- Advances in understanding influenza virus-receptor interactions and entry mechanisms provide insights into cross-species transmission and host adaptation.
- Detailed knowledge of viral entry pathways is crucial for developing targeted antiviral strategies.
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