The second RNA segment of the influenza virus genome encodes the PB1 protein – part of the viral RNA polymerase – and, in some strains, a second protein called PB1-F2. The latter protein is believed to be an important determinant of influenza virus virulence. The absence of a full-length PB1-F2 protein has been suggested as …
Two different influenza vaccines will be available in the fall of 2009. One will be a trivalent preparation comprising seasonal influenza H3N2 and H1N1 strains, plus an influenza B virus strain. A monovalent vaccine will also be available against the 2009 pandemic H1N1 strain. Many readers of virology blog have asked why these four virus …
In temperate climates, influenza displays distinct seasonality: infections mainly occur from November through March in the northern hemisphere, and from May to September in the southern hemisphere. The results of experiments in guinea pigs have revealed that aerosol transmission of influenza virus is most efficient in cold and dry conditions, and completely blocked at warm …
Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Dick Despommier In episode #46 of the podcast “This Week in Virology”, Vincent and Dick continue virology 101 with a discussion of virus entry into cells, then answer reader email on colony collapse disorder and viruses that confer a benefit to their host. [powerpress url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/twiv/TWiV046.mp3″] Click the arrow above to play, …
The open-access Public Library of Science (PLoS) has launched PLoS Currents, a website for the rapid communication of research results and ideas. The first research theme at PLoS Currents is influenza. The opening of PLoS Currents: Influenza was announced by Harold Varmus, Chairman and Co-Founder of PLoS. He wrote about the reasons for starting this …
A new type of vaccine against influenza, made with virus-like particles, has been shown to protect ferrets from infection with the 2009 H1N1 swine-origin strain. What is a virus-like particle, and how is it produced? If you have been taking influenza 101, you know that new virus particles are produced in infected cells by budding. During …
