Open AccessSelection of H5N1 Influenza Virus PB2 during Replication in Humans
Author(s) -
Quynh Mai Le,
Yuko SakaiTagawa,
Makoto Ozawa,
Mustumi Ito,
Yoshihiro Kawaoka
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.617
H-Index - 292
eISSN - 1070-6321
pISSN - 0022-538X
DOI - 10.1128/jvi.00063-09
Subject(s) - biology , virology , influenza a virus subtype h5n1 , viral replication , amino acid , virus , influenza a virus , h5n1 genetic structure , highly pathogenic , viral matrix protein , transmission (telecommunications) , microbiology and biotechnology , respiratory tract , viral evolution , genetics , rna , gene , respiratory system , covid-19 , disease , infectious disease (medical specialty) , medicine , pathology , anatomy , electrical engineering , engineering
Highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza viruses continue to cause concern, even though currently circulating strains are not efficiently transmitted among humans. For efficient transmission, amino acid changes in viral proteins may be required. Here, we examined the amino acids at positions 627 and 701 of the PB2 protein. A direct analysis of the viral RNAs of H5N1 viruses in patients revealed that these amino acids contribute to efficient virus propagation in the human upper respiratory tract. Viruses grown in culture or eggs did not always reflect those in patients. These results emphasize the importance of the direct analysis of original specimens.