Abstract
The recent emergence of the H7N9 avian influenza A virus and its ability to infect humans emphasize the epidemic and pandemic potential of these viruses. Interspecies transmission is the result of many factors, which ultimately lead to a change in the host tropism of the virus. One of the key factors involved is a shift in the receptor-binding specificity of the virus, which is mostly determined by mutations in the viral haemagglutinin (HA). In this Review, we discuss recent crystallographic studies that provide molecular insights into HA-host receptor interactions that have enabled several influenza A virus subtypes to 'jump' from avian to human hosts.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Birds
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Crystallography
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Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus / chemistry*
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Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus / genetics
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Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus / physiology
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Host Specificity
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Host-Pathogen Interactions
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Humans
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Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype / physiology
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Influenza A virus / physiology*
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Influenza in Birds / transmission
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Influenza in Birds / virology*
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Influenza, Human / transmission
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Influenza, Human / virology*
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Mutation
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Orthomyxoviridae Infections / transmission
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Orthomyxoviridae Infections / veterinary*
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Orthomyxoviridae Infections / virology
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Protein Binding
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Receptors, Virus / chemistry
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Receptors, Virus / metabolism
Substances
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Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus
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Receptors, Virus