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Specific changes in the M1 protein during adaptation of influenza virus to mouse

A C Ward1

  • 1Biomolecular Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.

Archives of Virology
|January 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

The influenza virus matrix (M) gene influences virulence in mice. Specific M1 protein changes, Ala41Val and Thr139Ala, were linked to increased mouse brain and lung virulence.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The matrix (M) gene of influenza viruses is a key factor in determining viral virulence.
  • Previous studies suggest the M gene's role in host-specific pathogenicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify specific genetic changes in the influenza virus matrix (M) gene associated with enhanced virulence in mouse models.
  • To correlate amino acid substitutions in the M1 protein with observed virulence phenotypes.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative sequence analysis of the M gene from parent and mouse-adapted influenza virus strains (A/WS/33, A/NWS/33, A/WSN/33).
  • Identification of amino acid differences in the M1 protein between virulent and non-virulent strains.

Main Results:

  • Two specific amino acid substitutions in the M1 protein were identified: Alanine at position 41 changed to Valine (Ala41Val), and Threonine at position 139 changed to Alanine (Thr139Ala).
  • These substitutions were present in mouse brain-adapted variants and correlated with increased virulence in mouse lung and brain.

Conclusions:

  • The identified amino acid substitutions (Ala41Val and Thr139Ala) in the M1 protein are critical determinants of influenza virus virulence in mice.
  • Targeting these specific M1 protein alterations could be a strategy for understanding and potentially mitigating influenza virulence.

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