Acquisition of specific human respiratory tract binding by 2.3.4.4b H5N1 hemagglutinins requires multiple mutations.

Abstract excerpt

It has been suggested that the hemagglutinin of the human-infecting cattle-derived 2.3.4.4b virus A/Texas/34 H5N1 (H5TX) requires only one mutation, namely Q226L, to switch from binding avian-type to human-type receptor preference. In this study, we examined the binding of H5TX Q226L, along with other key mutations, to sections of human trachea. We conclude that, while H5TX Q226L can bind human-type receptors,...

Topics

• Humans
• Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype
• Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus
• Animals
• Mutation
• Receptors, Virus