Abstract
The substitution of glutamic acid (E) for lysine (K) at position 627 of the PB2 protein of avian H5N1 viruses has been identified as a virulence and host range determinant for infection of mammals. Here, we report that the E-to-K host-adaptive mutation in the PB2 gene appeared from day 4 and 5 along the respiratory tracts of mice and was complete by day 6 postinoculation. This mutation correlated with efficient replication of the virus in mice.
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Substitution
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Animals
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Host Specificity
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Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / pathogenicity*
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Mice
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Mutation / genetics*
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Orthomyxoviridae Infections / genetics
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Orthomyxoviridae Infections / pathology
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Orthomyxoviridae Infections / virology*
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Respiratory System / metabolism
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Respiratory System / pathology
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Respiratory System / virology*
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Viral Proteins / genetics*
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Viral Proteins / metabolism
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Virulence*
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Virus Replication*
Substances
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PB2 protein, influenza virus
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Viral Proteins