tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
Avian flu: Gain-of-function experiments on H7N9
Ron A. M. Fouchier,
Yoshihiro Kawaoka
& 20 co-authors
Affiliations
Corresponding authors
Nature
500,
150?151
(08 August 2013)
doi:10.1038/500150a
Published online
07 August 2013
Since the end of March 2013, avian influenza A viruses of the H7N9 subtype have caused more than 130 human cases of infection in China, many of which were severe, resulting in 43 fatalities. Although this A(H7N9) outbreak is now under control, the virus (or one with similar properties) could re-emerge as winter approaches.
To better assess the pandemic threat posed by A(H7N9) viruses, investigators from the NIAID Centers of Excellence in Influenza Research and Surveillance and other expert laboratories in China and elsewhere have characterized the wild-type avian A(H7N9) viruses in terms of host range, virulence and transmission, and are evaluating the effectiveness of antiviral drugs and vaccine candidates. However, to fully assess the potential risk associated with these novel viruses, there is a need for further research, including experiments that may be classified as 'gain of function' (GOF).
Here we outline the aspects of the current situation that most urgently require additional research, our proposed studies, and risk-mitigation strategies.
The A(H7N9) virus haemagglutinin protein has several motifs that are characteristic of mammalian-adapted and human influenza viruses, including mutations that confer human-type receptor binding and enhanced virus replication in mammals. The pandemic risk rises exponentially should these viruses acquire the ability to transmit readily among humans.
..
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v500/n7461/full/500150a.html
Ron A. M. Fouchier,
Yoshihiro Kawaoka
& 20 co-authors
Affiliations
Corresponding authors
Nature
500,
150?151
(08 August 2013)
doi:10.1038/500150a
Published online
07 August 2013
Since the end of March 2013, avian influenza A viruses of the H7N9 subtype have caused more than 130 human cases of infection in China, many of which were severe, resulting in 43 fatalities. Although this A(H7N9) outbreak is now under control, the virus (or one with similar properties) could re-emerge as winter approaches.
To better assess the pandemic threat posed by A(H7N9) viruses, investigators from the NIAID Centers of Excellence in Influenza Research and Surveillance and other expert laboratories in China and elsewhere have characterized the wild-type avian A(H7N9) viruses in terms of host range, virulence and transmission, and are evaluating the effectiveness of antiviral drugs and vaccine candidates. However, to fully assess the potential risk associated with these novel viruses, there is a need for further research, including experiments that may be classified as 'gain of function' (GOF).
Here we outline the aspects of the current situation that most urgently require additional research, our proposed studies, and risk-mitigation strategies.
The A(H7N9) virus haemagglutinin protein has several motifs that are characteristic of mammalian-adapted and human influenza viruses, including mutations that confer human-type receptor binding and enhanced virus replication in mammals. The pandemic risk rises exponentially should these viruses acquire the ability to transmit readily among humans.
..
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v500/n7461/full/500150a.html