Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2025
In Vitro Disassembly of Influenza A Virus Capsids by Gradient Centrifugation
Published on: March 27, 2016
Understanding the Molecular Interactions Between Influenza A Virus and Streptococcus Proteins in Co-Infection: A
Askar K Alshammari1,2, Meshach Maina1, Adam M Blanchard1
1One Virology, Wolfson Centre for Global Virus Research, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, College Road, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK.
Abstract:
Influenza A virus infections are known to predispose infected individuals to bacterial infections of the respiratory tract that result in co-infection with severe disease outcomes. Co-infections involving influenza A viruses and streptococcus bacteria result in protein-protein interactions that can alter disease outcomes, promoting bacterial colonisation, immune evasion, and tissue damage. Focusing on the synergistic effects of proteins from different pathogens during co-infection, this scoping review evaluated evidence for protein-protein interactions between influenza A virus proteins and streptococcus bacterial proteins. Of the 2366 studies initially identified, only 32 satisfied all the inclusion criteria. Analysis of the 32 studies showed that viral and bacterial neuraminidases (including NanA, NanB and NanC) are key players in desialylating host cell receptors, promoting bacterial adherence and colonisation of the respiratory tract. Virus hemagglutinin modulates bacterial virulence factors, hence aiding bacterial internalisation. Pneumococcal surface proteins (PspA and PspK), bacterial M protein, and pneumolysin (PLY) enhance immune evasion during influenza co-infections thus altering disease severity. This review highlights the importance of understanding the interaction of viral and bacterial proteins during influenza virus infection, which could provide opportunities to mitigate the severity of secondary bacterial infections through synergistic mechanisms.
Insights
Influenza A virus and Streptococcus bacteria co-infections involve protein interactions that worsen disease. Understanding these viral and bacterial protein interactions is key to mitigating severe secondary infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Influenza A virus infections increase susceptibility to secondary bacterial respiratory infections, often leading to severe outcomes.
- Co-infections with influenza A virus and Streptococcus bacteria are characterized by protein-protein interactions that can exacerbate disease, promoting bacterial colonization, immune evasion, and tissue damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review evaluating evidence for protein-protein interactions between influenza A virus proteins and Streptococcus bacterial proteins.
- To focus on the synergistic effects of proteins from different pathogens during co-infection.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify studies on protein-protein interactions between influenza A virus and Streptococcus.
- Inclusion criteria were applied to filter studies, with 32 studies meeting the requirements from an initial 2366 identified.
Main Results:
- Viral and bacterial neuraminidases (NanA, NanB, NanC) facilitate bacterial adherence and colonization by desialylating host receptors.
- Hemagglutinin (HA) from the virus modulates bacterial virulence factors, aiding bacterial internalization.
- Pneumococcal surface proteins (PspA, PspK), M protein, and pneumolysin (PLY) contribute to immune evasion, increasing disease severity during co-infections.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the interplay of viral and bacterial proteins during influenza co-infections is crucial.
- Identifying these synergistic mechanisms offers potential therapeutic targets to reduce the severity of secondary bacterial infections.
Related Concept Videos
02:28Leaky Scanning
00:56Viral Structure
00:57Viral Recombination