The model and images of influenza virus A/H1N1

The model and images of influenza virus A/H1N1

The model of influenza virus A/H1N1 is based on the X-ray analysis data of the virion proteins structure. Tertiary structure of surface proteins (hemagglutinin and neuraminidase) in the model is identical to «swine» subtypes H1 and N1. The shape of the particle and the density of surface proteins were modeled according to cryo electron microscopy data. Viral membrane visualisation allows to see individual atoms of phospholipid molecules. This model allows to obtain images up to 30 000×30 000 pixels, which is enough to print at 3×3 m photo-quality.

Influenza viruses belong to the Orthomyxoviridae family. They are pathogenic to humans, some other mammals and many birds. In humans and mammals the virus infects upper respiratory tract, while in birds the infection affects mainly the bowel. These viruses are characterized by high variability and a wide range of hosts. Influenza periodically causes epidemics and pandemics. The severity and nature of the disease varies depending on virus strain.

The influenza virions are pleomorphic but the most prevalent shape is spherical. The diameters of the virions range from 80 to 170 nm [1]. Particles are covered with lipid membrane which is comprised from the host cell membrane. It includes proteins — hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). To date, 16 HA (H1-H16) and 9 NA (N1-N9) subtypes have been identified. These proteins facilitate binding of the virus to host cell receptors, subsequent endosomal fusion and viral release from the cells [2]. The membrane also contains M2-protein channels which play a critical role in the early phase of infection leading to the uncoating and release of viral RNP [3].

Most cases of influenza in the United States and Europe in autumn 2009 was caused by a swine virus subtype A/H1N1. This variant of influenza virus is characterized by approximately the same virulence and pathogenicity, as seasonal strains. The seasonal human influenza virus also continues to circulate and cause disease. At the present time it is not completely clear what mutations allowed the swine flu to infect humans. Swine subtype A/H1N1 is resistant to remantadin but sensitive to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) [4].

The model of influenza virus A/H1N1 images distributed with the licence. End user licence agreement.

Cast:
Project director, 3D vizualizator: Konstantinov Ivan
3D-modeller: Zagidullin Vadim
Scientific consultant-reviewer: Tsfasman Tatyana
Designer: Hlebny Ivan
Article author: Stephanov Yuri, Tatarskii Victor

1. Harris A., Cardone G., Winkler D. C., Heymann J. B., Brecher M., White J. M., Steven A. C.: «Influenza virus pleiomorphy characterized by cryoelectron tomography». Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A., 103(50):19123-7, (2006)

2. Sullivan S. J., Jacobson R. M., Dowdle W. R., Poland G. A.: «2009 H1N1 Influenza». Mayo Clin Proc, 85(1): 64–76, (2010)

3. Nayak D. P., Balogun R. A., Yamada H., Zhou Z. H., Barman S.: «Influenza virus morphogenesis and budding». Virus Res., 143(2):147-61, (2009)

4. Smith G. J., Vijaykrishna D., Bahl J., Lycett S. J., Worobey M., Pybus O. G., Ma S. K., Cheung C. L., Raghwani J., Bhatt S., Peiris J. S., Guan Y., Rambaut A.: «Origins and evolutionary genomics of the 2009 swine-origin H1N1 influenza A epidemic». Nature, 459(7250):1122-5, (2009)

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