Abstract
Gillim-Ross and Subbarao discuss a new study inPLoS Medicine that suggests that immunity to the human influenza virus N1 NA cross-reacts with the avian N1 NA, and that this cross-reactivity may be sufficient to protect against infection with avian influenza virus H5N1.
Highlights
The influenza virus major surface glycoproteins hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) are the principal targets of the protective immune response
Even when the NA was fully conserved between the previously circulating H2N2 virus and the newly emerged H3N2 virus, and NA immunity may have blunted the severity of the pandemic, it was not sufficient to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with the 1968 influenza pandemic
Matthew Sandbulte and colleagues’ new findings presented in PLoS Medicine provide a tantalizing suggestion that immunity to the human influenza virus N1 NA cross-reacts with the avian N1 NA, and that this cross-reactivity may be sufficient to protect against infection with avian influenza virus H5N1 [8]
Summary
The influenza virus major surface glycoproteins hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) are the principal targets of the protective immune response. The emergence in 1968 of an H3N2 influenza virus with a novel HA subtype (H3) provided scientists with an opportunity to evaluate the role of NA-specific antibody in protection from influenza illness in humans.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
