Homologous recombination evidence in human and swine influenza A viruses

Virology. 2008 Oct 10;380(1):12-20. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2008.07.014. Epub 2008 Aug 21.

Abstract

Dynamic gene mutation and the reassortment of genes have been considered as the key factors responsible for influenza A virus virulence and host tropism change. This study reports several significant evidence demonstrating that homologous recombination also takes place between influenza A viruses in human and swine lineages. Moreover, in a mosaic descended from swine H1N1 subtype and human H2N2, we found that its minor putative parent might be a derivative from the human cold-adapted vaccine lineage, which suggests that live vaccine is capable of playing a role in genetic change of influenza A virus via recombination with circulating viruses. These results would be important for knowing the molecular mechanism of mammal influenza A virus heredity and evolution.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / classification
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / genetics*
  • Influenza A Virus, H2N2 Subtype / classification
  • Influenza A Virus, H2N2 Subtype / genetics*
  • Influenza A virus / genetics
  • Influenza A virus / immunology
  • Reassortant Viruses / genetics
  • Reassortant Viruses / immunology
  • Recombination, Genetic*
  • Swine Diseases / virology