Tweet
New research has taken a step towards understanding how highly pathogenic influenza viruses such as deadly bird flu infect humans.
Researchers at Griffith's Institute for Glycomics and the University of Hong Kong have revealed specific sugar molecules - Sialylated O-glycans - that are present in the respiratory tract are key receptors for influenza viruses, particularly the highly pathogenic influenza virus strains.
In a first, the work, published in Scientific Reports, details the structural basis of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses that make them particularly susceptible to bind and recognise O-glycans.
Lead researcher Associate Professor Thomas Haselhorst said unlike seasonal influenza, in which infection usually causes only mild symptoms in most people, avian influenza (H5N1) has an unusually aggressive clinical course, with rapid deterioration and high fatality.
...
Researchers at Griffith's Institute for Glycomics and the University of Hong Kong have revealed specific sugar molecules - Sialylated O-glycans - that are present in the respiratory tract are key receptors for influenza viruses, particularly the highly pathogenic influenza virus strains.
In a first, the work, published in Scientific Reports, details the structural basis of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses that make them particularly susceptible to bind and recognise O-glycans.
Lead researcher Associate Professor Thomas Haselhorst said unlike seasonal influenza, in which infection usually causes only mild symptoms in most people, avian influenza (H5N1) has an unusually aggressive clinical course, with rapid deterioration and high fatality.
...
Comment