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Transmission of influenza A viruses

Gabriele Neumann1, Yoshihiro Kawaoka2

  • 1Influenza Research Institute, Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 575 Science Drive, Madison, WI 53711, USA.

Virology
|March 28, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Novel influenza A viruses cause pandemics due to their hemagglutinin (HA) gene. This review summarizes how HA, PB2, and other viral proteins aid transmission and the emergence of new human influenza virus lineages.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Influenza A viruses cause significant human respiratory illness, including pandemics.
  • Pandemics arise from novel influenza viruses with hemagglutinin (HA) genes to which humans lack immunity.
  • Understanding viral transmission and lineage establishment is crucial for pandemic preparedness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize current knowledge on viral factors contributing to influenza A transmission.
  • To review the roles of hemagglutinin (HA) and basic polymerase 2 (PB2) proteins in interspecies transmission and replication.
  • To discuss the formation of stable influenza virus lineages in humans.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on influenza A virus transmission and evolution.
  • Analysis of the functional contributions of viral proteins, particularly HA and PB2.
  • Synthesis of findings related to host adaptation and lineage emergence.

Main Results:

  • Hemagglutinin (HA) is critical for initial host cell entry and immune evasion.
  • Basic polymerase 2 (PB2) facilitates viral replication in mammalian hosts.
  • Other viral components also influence transmission efficiency and adaptation.

Conclusions:

  • HA and PB2 are key viral proteins enabling avian influenza viruses to jump to and establish in human populations.
  • Further research into viral factors is essential for predicting and controlling future influenza pandemics.
  • Understanding these mechanisms aids in developing effective public health strategies against influenza A.
Keywords:
Gain-of-functionHAInfluenza virusNAPB2Receptor-bindingTransmissionVirus lineage

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