An ancient influenza genome from Switzerland allows deeper insights into host adaptation during the 1918 flu pandemic in Europe
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Researchers developed a new RNA sequencing protocol to analyze ancient influenza A virus (IAV) genomes from historical samples. This method recovered the first 1918 IAV genome from Switzerland, revealing early human adaptation mutations.
Area Of Science
- Virology
- Genomics
- Paleopathology
Background
- The 1918 influenza A virus (IAV) pandemic caused millions of deaths globally.
- Historical records lack genomic data on viral mutations and host adaptation.
- Ancient specimens offer insights into pandemic viral evolution.
Purpose Of The Study
- To develop and evaluate an efficient RNA sequencing protocol for ancient viral RNA recovery.
- To analyze historical specimens for IAV genomes and associated mutations.
Main Methods
- Developed a phenol/chloroform-free protocol for ancient RNA sequencing.
- Utilized a ligation-based approach to preserve RNA fragment directionality.
- Applied the protocol to historical pathology samples, including formalin-fixed wet specimens.
Main Results
- The protocol efficiently recovered ancient viral RNA, including small fragments.
- Successfully sequenced the first 1918 IAV genome from Switzerland.
- The recovered genome contained mutations linked to human adaptation, observed early in the pandemic wave.
Conclusions
- Introduced an efficient workflow for ancient RNA recovery from formalin-fixed specimens.
- Presented the first precisely dated and complete European influenza genome from 1918.
- Highlighted the early presence of human-adaptation mutations during the first European wave of the 1918 pandemic.
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