Journal of Virology · 1998 · 1K citations · 41 references
Pig TracheaViral PathogenesisImmunologyPathologyMixing VesselsViral EvolutionPandemic PotentialVirologyPorcine DiseaseSwine VirusCell Surface ReceptorsVaccinationInfluenza A VirusesPathogenesisEmergent VirusInfluenza VaccineMolecular BasisMicrobiologyMedicineEgg-based Vaccine Production
Genetic and biologic observations suggest that pigs may serve as mixing vessels for the generation of human‑avian influenza A virus reassortants, similar to those responsible for the 1957 and 1968 pandemics. Here we demonstrate a structural basis for this hypothesis. Cell surface receptors for both human and avian influenza viruses were identified in the pig trachea, providing a milieu conducive to viral replication and genetic reassortment. Surprisingly, with continued replication, some avian‑like swine viruses acquired the ability to recognize human virus receptors, raising the possibility of their direct transmission to human populations, and these findings help explain the emergence of pandemic influenza viruses and support the need for continued surveillance of swine for viruses carrying avian virus genes.
Genetic and biologic observations suggest that pigs may serve as "mixing vessels" for the generation of human-avian influenza A virus reassortants, similar to those responsible for the 1957 and 1968 pandemics. Here we demonstrate a structural basis for this hypothesis. Cell surface receptors for both human and avian influenza viruses were identified in the pig trachea, providing a milieu conducive to viral replication and genetic reassortment. Surprisingly, with continued replication, some avian-like swine viruses acquired the ability to recognize human virus receptors, raising the possibility of their direct transmission to human populations. These findings help to explain the emergence of pandemic influenza viruses and support the need for continued surveillance of swine for viruses carrying avian virus genes.
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Structure of the influenza virus haemagglutinin complexed with its receptor, sialic acid
William I. Weis, Jerry H. Brown, S. Cusack et al. · Nature · 1988 · 1.2K citations