Commonground
Senior Moderator
Russia: A three-dimensional model of influenza virus, porcine
25.05.09 17:44
Scientists from the Singapore Bioinformatics Institute have created a three-dimensional model of the core protein of influenza virus A/H1N1 - neyraminidazy that would allow a more precise definition of "weak spots" virus, and create new drugs and vaccines against the new flu. "
The group of scientists led by Dr. Sebastian Maurer-Straw has set the area of protein molecules in which the mutation occurred, and determine what resources would be effective against the virus.
All influenza A viruses are divided into types depending on the varieties of two key proteins, which are located on the surfaces of viral particles - virionov. This gemagglyutinin (marked H), responsible for the ability of the virus to penetrate into the cell, and neyraminidaza (N), related to its reproduction. The structure of these proteins vary from strain to strain. "Pork influenza" refers to the type of H1N1, avian flu - to the H5N1 (although there are other varieties of bird flu), and "normal" seasonal influenza, as a rule, is a type of H3N2.
Scientists have determined that the structure of the virus A/H1N1 neyraminidazy much more similar to a protein similar to avian influenza virus H5N1, a protein other than strains H1N1, including the strain that caused an epidemic "Spanish" in 1918. In addition, these mutations are made less effective previously developed types of vaccines directed against neyraminidazy. However, existing drugs for influenza, such as Tamiflu and Relenza, remain effective against the new flu. "
[Comment: What do these similaries mean? Is this something to be concerned about?]
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