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Influenza viruses and cell membranes

J J Skehel1, D C Wiley

  • 1Division of Virology, National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom.

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|October 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

This study summarizes influenza virus structure, focusing on membrane proteins hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. It relates their functions to cellular membrane modifications during virus infection.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Influenza viruses possess a core containing RNA and proteins, surrounded by a cell-derived membrane.
  • This membrane incorporates virus-specified glycoproteins (hemagglutinin, neuraminidase) and M2 protein during budding.
  • These viral proteins are crucial for virus function and interaction with host cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the structures and functions of influenza virus glycoproteins hemagglutinin and neuraminidase.
  • To explore the role of the M2 protein.
  • To correlate these viral proteins with cellular membrane modifications during influenza infection.

Main Methods:

  • Review and synthesis of existing literature on influenza virus structure and function.
  • Analysis of structural and functional data for hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, and M2 proteins.
  • Examination of cellular membrane alterations during virus replication.

Main Results:

  • Detailed structural and functional information on hemagglutinin and neuraminidase is presented.
  • The M2 protein's role as a proton channel is highlighted.
  • Specific modifications in cellular membranes during influenza virus infection are identified.

Conclusions:

  • Influenza virus glycoproteins hemagglutinin and neuraminidase play key roles in viral infectivity.
  • Understanding these viral proteins and their interaction with host membranes is vital for comprehending influenza pathogenesis.
  • Further research into viral protein structures and functions can inform antiviral strategies.

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