The molecular characterizations of surface proteins hemagglutinin and neuraminidase from recent H5Nx avian influenza viruses.

Yang H1, Carney PJ1, Mishin VP1, Guo Z1, Chang JC1, Wentworth DE1, Gubareva LV1, Stevens J2.

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Abstract

During 2014, a subclade 2.3.4.4 HPAI A(H5N8) virus caused poultry outbreaks around the world. In late 2014/early 2015 the virus was detected in wild birds in Canada and the U.S. and these viruses also gave rise to reassortant progeny, composed of viral RNA segments (vRNAs) from both Eurasian and North America lineages. In particular, viruses were found with N1, N2 and N8 neuraminidase vRNAs, and are collectively referred to as H5Nx viruses. In the U. S., more than 48 million domestic birds have been affected. Here, we present a detailed structural and biochemical analysis of the surface antigens from H5N1, H5N2 and H5N8 in addition to a recent human H5N6 virus. Our results with recombinant hemagglutinin reveal that these viruses have a strict avian receptor binding preference, while recombinantly expressed neuraminidases are sensitive to FDA approved and investigational antivirals. Although H5Nx viruses currently pose a low risk to humans, it is important to maintain surveillance of these circulating viruses, and to continually assess future changes that may increase their pandemic potential.

IMPORTANCE:

The H5Nx viruses emerging in North America, Europe, and Asia are of great public health concern. Herein, we report a molecular and structural study of the major surface proteins from several H5Nx influenza viruses. Our results improve the understanding of these new viruses and provide important information on their receptor preference and susceptibility to antivirals, which is central to pandemic risk assessment.