Influenza Virus Strains Research Articles

Influenza A Virus PB1-F2 Induces Affective Disorder by Interfering Synaptic Plasticity in Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus.

Influenza A virus (IAV) infection, which leads to millions of new cases annually, affects many tissues and organs of the human body, including the central nervous system (CNS). The incidence of affective disorders has increased after the flu pandemic; however, the potential mechanism has not been elucidated. PB1-F2, a key virulence molecule of various influenza virus strains, has been shown to inhibit cell proliferation and induce host inflammation; however, its role in the CNS has not been studied. In this study, we constructed and injected PB1-F2 into the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), a region closely associated with newborn neurons and neural development, to evaluate its influence on negative affective behaviors and learning performance in mice. We observed anxiety- and depression-like behaviors, but not learning impairment, in mice injected with PB1-F2. Furthermore, pull-down and mass spectrometry analyses identified several potential PB1-F2 binding proteins, and enrichment analysis suggested that the most affected function was neural development. Morphological and western blot studies revealed that PB1-F2 inhibited cell proliferation and oligodendrocyte development, impaired myelin formation, and interfered with synaptic plasticity in DG. Taken together, our results demonstrated that PB1-F2 induces affective disorders by inhibiting oligodendrocyte development and regulating synaptic plasticity in the DG after IAV infection, which lays the foundation for developing future cures of affective disorders after IAV infection.

A two-strain avian–human influenza model with environmental transmission: Stability analysis and optimal control strategies

On the basis of the WHO legitimated fear that there will be an avian influenza virus strain capable of mutating once it reaches the human population and sustains human-to-human transmissions, we formulate an hypothetical mathematical model which accounts for the environmental transmission and mutation of an avian influenza virus having the ability to spill over into the human population and become a highly pathogenic strain. We compute the basic reproduction number of the model and use it to study the existence and stability of equilibrium points. We derive conditions for the global asymptotic stability of any of the three equilibrium. The model is extended to incorporate six relevant time-dependent controls, and use the Pontryagin’s maximum principle to derive the necessary conditions for optimal disease control. Finally, the optimal control problem is solved numerically to show the effect of each control parameter and their combination. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios are calculated to investigate the cost-effectiveness of all possible combinations of the control strategies. This study suggests that quarantine infected humans might be the most cost-effective strategy to control avian influenza transmissions with the virus mutation.

H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza virus in migratory birds exhibiting low pathogenicity in mallards increases its risk of transmission and spread in poultry

In 2020, an H5N1 avian influenza virus of clade 2.3.4.4b was detected in Europe for the first time and was spread throughout the world by wild migratory birds, resulting in the culling of an unprecedented number of wild birds and poultry due to the epidemic. In February 2023, we isolated and identified a strain of H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza virus from a swab sample from a grey crane in Ningxia, China. Phylogenetic analysis of the Hemagglutinin (HA) gene showed that the virus belonged to clade 2.3.4.4b, and several gene segments were closely related to H5N1 viruses infecting humans in China. Analysis of key amino acid sites revealed that the virus contained multiple amino acid substitutions that facilitate enhanced viral replication and mammalian pathogenicity. The results of animal challenge experiments showed that the virus is highly pathogenic to chickens, moderately pathogenic to BALB/c mice, and highly infectious but not lethal to mallards. Moreover, the virus exhibited minor antigenic drift compared with the H5-Re14 vaccine strain. To this end, we need to pay more attention to the monitoring of wild birds to prevent further spread of viruses to poultry and mammals, including humans.

Recent Advances, Approaches and Challenges in the Development of Universal Influenza Vaccines.

Every year, influenza virus infections cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. They pose a substantial burden of disease, in terms of not only health but also the economy. Owing to the ability of influenza viruses to continuously evolve, annual seasonal influenza vaccines are necessary as a prophylaxis. However, current influenza vaccines against seasonal strains have limited effectiveness and require yearly reformulation due to the virus undergoing antigenic drift or shift. Vaccine mismatches are common, conferring suboptimal protection against seasonal outbreaks, and the threat of the next pandemic continues to loom. Therefore, there is a great need to develop a universal influenza vaccine (UIV) capable of providing broad and durable protection against all influenza virus strains. In the quest to develop a UIV that would obviate the need for annual vaccination and formulation, a multitude of strategies is currently underway. Promising approaches include targeting the highly conserved epitopes of haemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), M2 extracellular domain (M2e) and internal proteins of the influenza virus. The identification and characterization of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) targeting conserved regions of the viral HA protein, in particular, have provided important insight into novel vaccine designs and platforms. This review discusses universal vaccine approaches presently under development, with an emphasis on those targeting the highly conserved stalk of the HA protein, recent technological advancements used and the future prospects of a UIV in terms of its advantages, developmental obstacles and potential shortcomings.

2-[2-(Phenylcarbamoyl)hydrazinylidene]propanoates: synthesis, structure and in vitro study of the activity against influenza virus

Alkyl (2E)-2-[2-(phenylcarbamoyl)hydrazinylidene]- propanoates were prepared from 3-nitroacrylates and N-phenylhydrazinecarboxamide. Their fine structure was confirmed by NMR and X-ray data. Cytotoxicity and antiviral activity against the A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) influenza virus strain in MDCK cell culture were determined for the obtained compounds.

Активні компоненти флавоноїдного складу «Протефлазид» гальмують репродукцію вірусу грипу: можливі молекулярні мішені взаємодії

The search for substances possessing antiviral activities, in particular anti-influenza activity, is of importance for designing new drugs that may be effective in combating viral infections. The antiviral substances of the natural origin such as flavonoids and their derivatives are in the focus of numerous studies. The topical problem is the elucidation of the mechanisms of the interaction between flavonoid substances and the virus-specific targets in infected cells. Aim. To assess the activity of the flavonoid-enriched composition containing the biologically active substances of Proteflazidum against influenza virus in vitro and in vivo and to analyze in silico the putative interactions of the flavonoid components of the composition with PB2 subunit of viral RNA-polymerase. Methods. The anti-influenza effects of flavonoid-enriched composition prepared from the extracts of Deschampsia caespitosa L. and Calamagrostis epigeios L. were assessed in vitro in MDCK cells and in vivo in white outbred mice. Virion RNA was analyzed by RT-PCR with the primers detecting the transcripts of PB1 and PB2 subunits of viral RNA-polymerase and hemagglutinin. The potential interaction of the representative flavonoids of the composition with PB2 subunit of RNA-polymerase was analyzed in silico by molecular docking. Results. The composition under study inhibits effectively replication of А/FM/1/47 (H1N1) strain of influenza virus in vitro and protects the mice against flu infection both in therapeutic and preventive modes of its administration. According to the molecular docking findings, all three major flavonoid compounds of the composition, quercetin, luteolin, and apigenin, interact similarly with the PB2 domain of viral RNA-polymerase. Conclusions. The flavonoid composition containing the biologically active substances of Proteflazidum could be considered as the anti-flu drug with the PB2 subunit of viral RNA-polymerase being one of its potential molecular targets.

Molecular Determinants of Drug Resistance and Mutation Patterns in Influenza Viruses Circulating in Poland Across Multiple Epidemic Seasons: Implications for Vaccination Strategies.

BACKGROUND According to the WHO, up to 650 000 people die each year from seasonal flu-related respiratory illnesses. The most effective method of fighting the virus is seasonal vaccination. However, if an infection does occur, antiviral medications should be used as soon as possible. No studies of drug resistance in influenza viruses circulating in Poland have been systematically conducted. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the drug resistance and genetic diversity of influenza virus strains circulating in Poland by determining the presence of mutations in the neuraminidase gene. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 258 clinical specimens were collected during the 2016-2017, 2017-2018, and 2018-2019 epidemic seasons. The samples containing influenza A and B were analyzed by RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. RESULTS Differences were found between the influenza virus strains detected in different epidemic seasons, demonstrating the occurrence of mutations. Influenza A virus was found to be more genetically variable than influenza B virus (P<0.001, Kruskal-Wallis test). However, there was no significant difference in the resistance prevalence between the influenza A subtypes A/H1N1/pdm09 (4.8%) and A/H3N2/ (6.1%). In contrast, more mutations of drug-resistance genes were found in the influenza B virus (P<0.001, chi-square test). In addition, resistance mutations appeared en masse in vaccine strains circulating in unvaccinated populations. CONCLUSIONS It seems important to determine whether the influenza virus strains tested for drug resistance as part of global influenza surveillance are equally representative of viruses circulating in populations with high and low vaccination rates, for all countries. Our results suggest that countries with low levels of influenza immunization may constitute reservoirs of drug-resistant influenza viruses.

Identification and characterization of a marine bacterium extract from Mameliella sp. M20D2D8 with antiviral effects against influenza A and B viruses

Despite significant improvements in vaccines and chemotherapeutic drugs, pathogenic RNA viruses continue to have a profound impact on the global economy and pose a serious threat to animal and human health through emerging and re-emerging outbreaks of diseases. To overcome the challenge of viral adaptation and evolution, increased vigilance is required. Particularly, antiviral drugs derived from new, natural sources provide an attractive strategy for controlling problematic viral diseases. In this antiviral study, we discovered a previously unknown bacterium, Mameliella sp. M20D2D8, by conducting an antiviral screening of marine microorganisms. An extract from M20D2D8 exhibited antiviral activity with low cytotoxicity and was found to be effective in vitro against multiple influenza virus strains: A/PR8 (IC50 = 2.93 µg/mL, SI = 294.85), A/Phil82 (IC50 = 1.42 µg/mL, SI = 608.38), and B/Yamagata (IC50 = 1.59 µg/mL, SI = 543.33). The antiviral action was found to occur in the post-entry stages of viral replication and to suppress viral replication by inducing apoptosis in infected cells. Moreover, it efficiently suppressed viral genome replication, protein synthesis, and infectivity in MDCK and A549 cells. Our findings highlight the antiviral capabilities of a novel marine bacterium, which could potentially be useful in the development of drugs for controlling viral diseases.

Color-Flu Fluorescent Reporter Influenza A Viruses Allow for In Vivo Studies of Innate Immune Function in Zebrafish.

Influenza virus infection can cause severe respiratory disease and is estimated to cause millions of illnesses annually. Studies on the contribution of the innate immune response to influenza A virus (IAV) to viral pathogenesis may yield new antiviral strategies. Zebrafish larvae are useful models for studying the innate immune response to pathogens, including IAV, in vivo. Here, we demonstrate how Color-flu, four fluorescent IAV strains originally developed for mice, can be used to study the host response to infection by simultaneously monitoring infected cells, neutrophils, and macrophages in vivo. Using this model, we show how the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, ramipril, and mitophagy inhibitor, MDIVI-1, improved survival, decreased viral burden, and improved the respiratory burst response to IAV infection. The Color-flu zebrafish larvae model of IAV infection is complementary to other models where the dynamics of infection and the response of innate immune cells can be visualized in a transparent host in vivo.

Ladder distribution of LAIV reassortment between vero adaption attenuated strain and wide type highly virulent influenza virus strain

It described the ladder distribution of Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) reassortment between Vero cells adaption attenuated strain and wide type high virulent influenza virus strains by the reverse genetics approach. That gene constellation

Identification and relative abundance of naturally presented and cross-reactive influenza A virus MHC class I-restricted T cell epitopes

ABSTRACT Cytotoxic T lymphocytes are key for controlling viral infection. Unravelling CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity to distinct influenza virus strains and subtypes across prominent HLA types is relevant for combating seasonal infections and emerging new variants. Using an immunopeptidomics approach, naturally presented influenza A virus-derived ligands restricted to HLA-A*24:02, HLA-A*68:01, HLA-B*07:02, and HLA-B*51:01 molecules were identified. Functional characterization revealed multifunctional memory CD8+ T cell responses for nine out of sixteen peptides. Peptide presentation kinetics was optimal around 12 h post infection and presentation of immunodominant epitopes shortly after infection was not always persistent. Assessment of immunogenic epitopes revealed that they are highly conserved across the major zoonotic reservoirs and may contain a single substitution in the vicinity of the anchor residues. These findings demonstrate how the identified epitopes promote T cell pools, possibly cross-protective in individuals and can be potential targets for vaccination.

Multivalent next generation influenza virus vaccines protect against seasonal and pre-pandemic viruses

Each year, new influenza virus vaccine formulations are generated to keep up with continuously circulating and mutating viral variants. A next-generation influenza virus vaccine would provide long-lasting, broadly-reactive immune protection against current and future influenza virus strains for both seasonal and pre-pandemic viruses. Next generation immunogens were designed using computationally optimized broadly reactive antigen (COBRA) methodology to protect against a broad range of strains over numerous seasons. Novel HA and NA amino acid sequences were derived from multilayered consensus sequence alignment for multiple subtypes of influenza. This multivalent formulation was hypothesized to elicit broadly protective immune responses against both seasonal and pre-pandemic influenza viruses. Mice were vaccinated with multivalent mixtures of HA and NA (H1, H2, H3, H5, H7, N1, N2) proteins. Multivalent COBRA vaccinations elicited antibodies that recognized a broad panel of strains and vaccinated mice were protected against viruses representing multiple subtypes. This is a promising candidate for a universal influenza vaccine that elicits protective immune responses against seasonal and pre-pandemic strains over multiple seasons.

Molecular docking screening, dynamics simulations, ADMET, and semi-synthesis prediction of flavones and flavonols from the COCONUT database as potent bifunctional neuraminidase inhibitors

Finding new neuraminidase (N) inhibitors to improve anti-influenza treatment is necessary because of the high mutation rates of N protein. Over 3,000 flavones/flavonols and their synthesized products from the COCONUT database were performed in silico docking screening with N1-H274Y-oseltamivir protein (PDB ID: 3CL0). Several derivatives containing nitrogen heterocyclic groups or aromatic rings showed higher anti-neuraminidase potential than that of laninamivir. Especially, the linker groups between the flavone aglycone and nitrogen heterocyclic group created the interactions with the triad of arginine residues Arg118-Arg292-Arg371, which suggested these compounds could become bifunctional inhibitors against the influenza virus strains at the sialic acid binding site and the adjacent 430-cavity position through triad of arginine residues binding. ADMET indicators and the synthesis design strategy of the most suitable compound, ethyl 4-{2-[(5-hydroxy-4-oxo-2-phenyl-4H-chromen-7-yl)oxy]acetyl}piperazine-1-carboxylate, were also successfully predicted and it could be a concerned candidate for further wet-lab synthesis, in vivo and clinical study.

Mapping the interaction sites of human and avian influenza A viruses and complement factor H.

The complement system is an innate immune mechanism against microbial infections. It involves a cascade of effector molecules that is activated via classical, lectin and alternative pathways. Consequently, many pathogens bind to or incorporate in their structures host negative regulators of the complement pathways as an evasion mechanism. Factor H (FH) is a negative regulator of the complement alternative pathway that protects "self" cells of the host from non-specific complement attack. FH has been shown to bind viruses including human influenza A viruses (IAVs). In addition to its involvement in the regulation of complement activation, FH has also been shown to perform a range of functions on its own including its direct interaction with pathogens. Here, we show that human FH can bind directly to IAVs of both human and avian origin, and the interaction is mediated via the IAV surface glycoprotein haemagglutinin (HA). HA bound to common pathogen binding footprints on the FH structure, complement control protein modules, CCP 5-7 and CCP 15-20. The FH binding to H1 and H3 showed that the interaction overlapped with the receptor binding site of both HAs, but the footprint was more extensive for the H3 HA than the H1 HA. The HA - FH interaction impeded the initial entry of H1N1 and H3N2 IAV strains but its impact on viral multicycle replication in human lung cells was strain-specific. The H3N2 virus binding to cells was significantly inhibited by preincubation with FH, whereas there was no alteration in replicative rate and progeny virus release for human H1N1, or avian H9N2 and H5N3 IAV strains. We have mapped the interaction between FH and IAV, the in vivo significance of which for the virus or host is yet to be elucidated.

CURRENT SITUATION WITH AVIAN INFLUENZA, ASSESSMENT OF RISKS FOR TRANSMISSION AND SPREAD IN THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS

The article presents the current situation with avian influenza, showing the global spread of this disease, a high degree of morbidity and mortality not only among poultry and wild birds, but also among various species of wild and domestic, aquatic and terrestrial mammals. Increasing cases of disease among the population caused by both highly pathogenic and low pathogenic strains of the avian influenza virus have been described. An analysis and assessment of the importance of wild fauna in the spread of the avian influenza pathogen was carried out, and the level of risk for introduction and spread of avian influenza in the territory of the Republic of Belarus was assessed.

GENETIC ANALYSIS OF NUCLEOPROTEIN OF A/H3N8 INFLUENZA VIRUS OF ASIAN AND EUROPEAN ORIGIN ISOLATED IN 2018

This paper presents the results of a genetic analysis of the nucleoprotein gene (NP) of two strains of avian influenza virus isolated in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2018 near small lakes (Alua and Zaimishche) of the North Kazakhstan region. These strains showed the presence of 54 in the nucleo-tide and 4 substitutions in the amino acid sequence, thereby significantly distancing themselves from each other. In phylogenetic analysis, the strain A/northern shoveler/North-Kazakhstan/20/2018(H3N8) showed the greatest relationship with strains from Europe, the homology between strains showed 96-97%. The second strain A/garganey/North Kazakhstan/45/2018(H3N8) showed genetic similarity with strains from Asia, the NP gene identity was 99%.

Multi-omics analysis reveals the impact of influenza a virus host adaptation on immune signatures in pig tracheal tissue.

Influenza A virus (IAV) infection is a global respiratory disease, which annually leads to 3-5 million cases of severe illness, resulting in 290,000-650,000 deaths. Additionally, during the past century, four global IAV pandemics have claimed millions of human lives. The epithelial lining of the trachea plays a vital role during IAV infection, both as point of viral entry and replication as well as in the antiviral immune response. Tracheal tissue is generally inaccessible from human patients, which makes animal models crucial for the study of the tracheal host immune response. In this study, pigs were inoculated with swine- or human-adapted H1N1 IAV to gain insight into how host adaptation of IAV shapes the innate immune response during infection. In-depth multi-omics analysis (global proteomics and RNA sequencing) of the host response in upper and lower tracheal tissue was conducted, and results were validated by microfluidic qPCR. Additionally, a subset of samples was selected for histopathological examination. A classical innate antiviral immune response was induced in both upper and lower trachea after infection with either swine- or human-adapted IAV with upregulation of genes and higher abundance of proteins associated with viral infection and recognition, accompanied by a significant induction of interferon stimulated genes with corresponding higher proteins concentrations. Infection with the swine-adapted virus induced a much stronger immune response compared to infection with a human-adapted IAV strain in the lower trachea, which could be a consequence of a higher viral load and a higher degree of inflammation. Central components of the JAK-STAT pathway, apoptosis, pyrimidine metabolism, and the cytoskeleton were significantly altered depending on infection with swine- or human-adapted virus and might be relevant mechanisms in relation to antiviral immunity against putative zoonotic IAV. Based on our findings, we hypothesize that during host adaptation, IAV evolve to modulate important host cell elements to favor viral infectivity and replication.

Optimizing a linear 'Doggybone' DNA vaccine for influenza virus through the incorporation of DNA targeting sequences and neuraminidase antigen.

Influenza virus represents a challenge for traditional vaccine approaches due to its seasonal changes and potential for zoonotic transmission. Nucleic acid vaccines can overcome some of these challenges, especially through the inclusion of multiple antigens to increase the breadth of response. RNA vaccines were an important part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but for future outbreaks DNA vaccines may have some advantages in terms of stability and manufacturing cost that warrant continuing investigation to fully realize their potential. Here, we investigate influenza virus vaccines made using a closed linear DNA platform, Doggybone™ DNA (dbDNA), produced by a rapid and scalable cell-free method. Influenza vaccines have mostly focussed on Haemagglutinin (HA), but the inclusion of Neuraminidase (NA) may provide additional protection. Here, we explored the potential of including NA in a dbDNA vaccine, looking at DNA optimization, mechanism and breadth of protection. We showed that DNA targeting sequences (DTS) improved immune responses against HA but not NA. We explored whether NA vaccine-induced protection against influenza virus infection was cell-mediated, but depletion of CD8 and NK cells made no impact, suggesting it was antibody-mediated. This is reflected in the restriction of protection to homologous strains of influenza virus. Importantly, we saw that including both HA and NA in a single combined vaccine did not dampen the immune response to either one. Overall, we show that linear dbDNA can induce an immune response against NA, which may offer increased protection in instances of HA mismatch where NA remains more conserved.

The epizootic situation of avian influenza in the Kaluga region

The article discusses the problems associated with increased virulence of strains due to the high representativeness of the sample of susceptible organisms, the spread of avian influenza and its natural reservoirs. Currently, avian influenza virus strains are divided into HPAI (highly pathogenic) and LPAI (low pathogenic). Registered outbreaks among wild and domestic birds and cases of human infection with influenza viruses of subtypes H5N8, H7N9 and H9N2 indicate an active mutation of the virus and the appearance of “aggressive” strains that can infect not only poultry, but also humans. This article analyzes the current epizootic situation of avian influenza in the Kaluga region for 2022-2023.

Engineering of novel hemagglutinin biosensors for rapid detection and drug screening of Influenza A H7N9 virus

New pathogenic influenza virus strains are constantly emerging, posing a serious risk to both human health and economic growth. To effectively control the spread of this virus, there is an urgent need for early, rapid, sensitive, simple, and cost-effective detection technologies, as well as new and effective antiviral drugs. In this study, we have successfully achieved a significant milestone by successfully fusing the H7N9 influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) protein with the nano-luciferase component, resulting in the development of a novel set of biosensors. This remarkable achievement marks the first instance of utilizing this biosensor technology for influenza antibody detection. Our biosensor technology also has the potential to facilitate the development of antiviral drugs targeting specific epitopes of the HA protein, providing a promising avenue for the treatment of H7N9 influenza virus infections. Furthermore, our biosensors have broad applications beyond H7N9 influenza virus detection, as they can be expanded for the detection of other pathogens and drug screening applications in the future. By providing a novel and effective solution to the detection and treatment of influenza viruses, our biosensors have the potential to revolutionize the field of infectious disease control.