The Nature Of Influenza Virus Virulence/Pathogenicity

Abstract

Based on pathogenicity influenza viruses can be classified as highly pathogenic (HP) or low pathogenic (LP). We analyzed genomes of HP H5N1 viruses isolated from chickens in Nigeria (Owoade, 2008) and found unique mutation in haemagglutinin, which may affect structure of antigenic region of HA and, therefore, may allow the virus to escape from the host immune responses. We also analysed genomes of LP viruses isolated from wild birds in Nigeria and found mutation at in the non-structural protein NS1. This mutation may destabilize NS1 interaction with the cellular CPSF30 protein which is normally occurs during HP virus infection (Das, 2008) and, therefore, may induce the antiviral responses. We will also disscuss distinct cellular processes which the HP and LP viruses relay on or suppress.