HA

Changing influenza virus neuraminidase into a receptor binding protein

2 Comments / Basic virology, Information / By

The hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) glycoproteins of the influenza virus particle serve distinct functions during infection. The HA binds sialic acid-containing cellular receptors and mediates fusion of the viral and cell membranes, while the NA removes sialic acids from glycoproteins. Apparently this division of labor is not absolute: influenza viruses have been identified with …

Changing influenza virus neuraminidase into a receptor binding protein Read More »

Influenza vaccines for individuals with egg allergy

1 Comment / Basic virology, Information / By

A CDC (US) advisory committee has recommended the use of FluBlok for individuals with egg allergy: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted today, 13 to 0, in favor of recommending FluBlok during the 2013-2014 influenza season for vaccination of persons 18 through 49 years of age with egg allergy of any severity. FluBlok …

Influenza vaccines for individuals with egg allergy Read More »

First human infections with avian influenza H7N9 virus

18 Comments / Basic virology, Information / By

Fourteen people in China have been infected with avian influenza H7N9 virus, leading to five deaths. This avian influenza virus has never been isolated from humans. Influenza A viruses with the H7 hemagglutinin protein circulate among birds, and some, such as H7N2, H7N3, and H7N7, have been previously found to infect humans. It is not known …

First human infections with avian influenza H7N9 virus Read More »

Universal influenza vaccines

7 Comments / Basic virology, Information / By

The need to re-formulate the influenza virus vaccine in response to viral antigenic drift and shift makes for complex logistics of vaccine production and administration. Surveillance programs must be conducted each year to identify strains that are likely to predominate and cause disease. Wouldn€™t it be simpler if a single vaccine could be developed that …

Universal influenza vaccines Read More »

Scroll to Top