A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found that a single mutation in the surface protein of the H5N1 influenza virus could make it easier for humans to become infected. The research, published in the journal Science, identified a specific mutation called Q226L that improves the ability of the virus to attach to human cells.
The study focused on the hemagglutinin (HA) protein, which is responsible for attaching to cell receptors and causing infection. Researchers found that when this protein was mutated with the Q226L mutation alone, it became more effective at binding to human receptors, particularly in combination with another mutation.
While the researchers caution that a single mutation does not mean the virus is on the verge of a pandemic, the study highlights the need for continued surveillance and monitoring of the H5N1 virus for potential genetic changes. Infections have occurred in people exposed to infected wild birds, poultry, dairy cows, and other mammals.
The NIH-funded research was conducted at Scripps Research and aimed to understand viral genetic mutations that could affect transmissibility. The study’s findings are a reminder of the importance of pandemic preparedness efforts and the need for continued genomic surveillance to monitor for potential changes in the virus.
Source: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/single-mutation-h5n1-influenza-surface-protein-could-enable-easier-human-infection