Virulence determinants of pandemic influenza viruses

J Clin Invest. 2011 Jan;121(1):6-13. doi: 10.1172/JCI44947. Epub 2011 Jan 4.

Abstract

Influenza A viruses cause recurrent, seasonal epidemics and occasional global pandemics with devastating levels of morbidity and mortality. The ability of influenza A viruses to adapt to various hosts and undergo reassortment events ensures constant generation of new strains with unpredictable degrees of pathogenicity, transmissibility, and pandemic potential. Currently, the combination of factors that drives the emergence of pandemic influenza is unclear, making it impossible to foresee the details of a future outbreak. Identification and characterization of influenza A virus virulence determinants may provide insight into genotypic signatures of pathogenicity as well as a more thorough understanding of the factors that give rise to pandemics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Genes, Viral
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus / classification
  • Influenza A virus / genetics*
  • Influenza A virus / pathogenicity*
  • Influenza in Birds / virology
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology*
  • Influenza, Human / virology
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / virology
  • Pandemics*
  • Viral Proteins / genetics
  • Virulence / genetics

Substances

  • Viral Proteins