ABSTRACT
This research presents an innovative reflective fiber optic probe structure, mutinously designed to detect H7N9 avian influenza virus gene precisely. This innovative structure skillfully combines multimode fiber (MMF) with a thin-diameter seven-core photonic crystal fiber (SCF-PCF), forming a semi-open Fabry-Pérot (FPI) cavity. This structure has demonstrated exceptional sensitivity in light intensity-refractive index (RI) response through rigorous theoretical and experimental validation. The development of a quasi-distributed parallel sensor array, which provides temperature compensation during measurements, has achieved a remarkable RI response sensitivity of up to 532.7 dB/RIU. The probe-type fiber optic sensitive unit, expertly functionalized with streptavidin, offers high specificity in detecting H7N9 avian influenza virus gene, with an impressively low detection limit of 10-2 pM. The development of this biosensor marks a significant development in biological detection, offering a practical engineering solution for achieving high sensitivity and specificity in light-intensity-modulated biosensing. Its potential for wide-ranging applications in various fields is now well-established.
Subject(s)
Biosensing Techniques , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype , Temperature , Biosensing Techniques/methods , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/isolation & purification , Optical Fibers , Limit of Detection , Fiber Optic Technology/methods , Animals , Genes, ViralABSTRACT
H7N9 subtype avian influenza viruses (AIVs) cause 1567 human infections and have high mortality, posing a significant threat to public health. Previously, we reported that two avian-derived H7N9 isolates (A/chicken/Eastern China/JTC4/2013 and A/chicken/Eastern China/JTC11/2013) exhibit different pathogenicities in mice. To understand the genetic basis for the differences in virulence, we constructed a series of mutant viruses based on reverse genetics. We found that the PB2-E627K mutation alone was not sufficient to increase the virulence of H7N9 in mice, despite its ability to enhance polymerase activity in mammalian cells. However, combinations with PB1-V719M and/or PA-N444D mutations significantly enhanced H7N9 virulence. Additionally, these combined mutations augmented polymerase activity, thereby intensifying virus replication, inflammatory cytokine expression, and lung injury, ultimately increasing pathogenicity in mice. Overall, this study revealed that virulence in H7N9 is a polygenic trait and identified novel virulence-related residues (PB2-627K combined with PB1-719M and/or PA-444D) in viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) complexes. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying AIV pathogenesis in mammals, with implications for pandemic preparedness and intervention strategies.
Subject(s)
Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype , Mutation , Orthomyxoviridae Infections , Viral Proteins , Animals , Mice , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/pathogenicity , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/physiology , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/virology , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/veterinary , Virulence , Female , Viral Proteins/genetics , Viral Proteins/metabolism , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Virus ReplicationABSTRACT
Between 2013 and 2017, the A/Anhui/1/13-lineage (H7N9) low-pathogenicity avian influenza virus (LPAIV) was epizootic in chickens in China, causing mild disease, with 616 fatal human cases. Despite poultry vaccination, H7N9 has not been eradicated. Previously, we demonstrated increased pathogenesis in turkeys infected with H7N9, correlating with the emergence of the L217Q (L226Q H3 numbering) polymorphism in the haemagglutinin (HA) protein. A Q217-containing virus also arose and is now dominant in China following vaccination. We compared infection and transmission of this Q217-containing 'turkey-adapted' (ty-ad) isolate alongside the H7N9 (L217) wild-type (wt) virus in different poultry species and investigated the zoonotic potential in the ferret model. Both wt and ty-ad viruses demonstrated similar shedding and transmission in turkeys and chickens. However, the ty-ad virus was significantly more pathogenic than the wt virus in turkeys but not in chickens, causing 100 and 33% mortality in turkeys respectively. Expanded tissue tropism was seen for the ty-ad virus in turkeys but not in chickens, yet the viral cell receptor distribution was broadly similar in the visceral organs of both species. The ty-ad virus required exogenous trypsin for in vitro replication yet had increased replication in primary avian cells. Replication was comparable in mammalian cells, and the ty-ad virus replicated successfully in ferrets. The L217Q polymorphism also affected antigenicity. Therefore, H7N9 infection in turkeys can generate novel variants with increased risk through altered pathogenicity and potential HA antigenic escape. These findings emphasize the requirement for enhanced surveillance and understanding of A/Anhui/1/13-lineage viruses and their risk to different species.
Subject(s)
Chickens , Ferrets , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype , Influenza in Birds , Turkeys , Animals , Turkeys/virology , Influenza in Birds/virology , Influenza in Birds/transmission , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/pathogenicity , Chickens/virology , Virulence , China/epidemiology , Poultry Diseases/virology , Poultry Diseases/transmission , Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/genetics , Humans , Virus Shedding , Virus Replication , Zoonoses/virology , Influenza, Human/virology , Influenza, Human/transmissionABSTRACT
Multiplex detection can enhance diagnostic precision and improve diagnostic efficiency, providing important assistance for epidemiological investigation and epidemic prevention. There is a great need for multi-detection sensing platforms to accurately diagnose diseases. Herein, we reported a µPAD-based chemiluminescence (CL) assay for ultrasensitive multiplex detection of AIV biomarkers, based on three DNAzyme/Lum/PEI/CaCO3. Three time-resolved CL signals were sequentially generated with detection limits of 0.32, 0.34, and 0.29 pM for H1N1, H7N9, and H5N1, respectively, and with excellent selectivity against interfering DNA. The recovery test in human serum displayed satisfactory analysis capabilities for complex biological samples. The µPAD-based CL assay achieved multiplex detection within 70 s, with a high time resolution of 20 s. The proposed strategy has the advantages of low cost, high sensitivity, good selectivity, and wide time resolution, the µPAD-based CL assay has shown great potential in the early and accurate diagnosis of diseases.
Subject(s)
Biomarkers , Luminescent Measurements , Luminescent Measurements/methods , Humans , Biomarkers/blood , Biomarkers/analysis , Paper , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/isolation & purification , Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/isolation & purification , Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/isolation & purification , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics , Animals , Influenza in Birds/diagnosis , Influenza in Birds/virology , DNA, Catalytic/chemistry , DNA, Catalytic/metabolism , Birds/virology , Limit of Detection , Influenza, Human/diagnosis , Influenza, Human/virology , Microfluidic Analytical Techniques/methods , Microfluidic Analytical Techniques/instrumentationABSTRACT
In this study, we pioneered an alternative technology for manufacturing subunit influenza hemagglutinin (HA)-based vaccines. This innovative method involves harnessing the pupae of the Lepidoptera Trichoplusia ni (T. ni) as natural biofactories in combination with baculovirus vectors (using CrisBio® technology). We engineered recombinant baculoviruses encoding two versions of the HA protein (trimeric or monomeric) derived from a pandemic avian H7N1 virus A strain (A/chicken/Italy/5093/99). These were then used to infect T. ni pupae, resulting in the production of the desired recombinant antigens. The obtained HA proteins were purified using affinity chromatography, consistently yielding approximately 75 mg/L of insect extract. The vaccine antigen effectively immunized poultry, which were subsequently challenged with a virulent H7N1 avian influenza virus. Following infection, all vaccinated animals survived without displaying any clinical symptoms, while none of the mock-vaccinated control animals survived. The CrisBio®-derived antigens induced high titers of HA-specific antibodies in the vaccinated poultry, demonstrating hemagglutination inhibition activity against avian H7N1 and human H7N9 viruses. These results suggest that the CrisBio® technology platform has the potential to address major industry challenges associated with producing recombinant influenza subunit vaccines, such as enhancing production yields, scalability, and the speed of development, facilitating the global deployment of highly effective influenza vaccines.
Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral , Chickens , Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus , Influenza Vaccines , Influenza in Birds , Pupa , Vaccines, Subunit , Animals , Influenza Vaccines/immunology , Influenza Vaccines/genetics , Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage , Pupa/immunology , Influenza in Birds/prevention & control , Influenza in Birds/immunology , Vaccines, Subunit/immunology , Vaccines, Subunit/genetics , Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/immunology , Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/genetics , Antibodies, Viral/immunology , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Influenza A Virus, H7N1 Subtype/immunology , Influenza A Virus, H7N1 Subtype/genetics , Baculoviridae/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/immunology , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics , Humans , Vaccine Development , Moths/immunology , Pandemics/prevention & controlABSTRACT
The H7 subtype avian influenza viruses are circulating widely worldwide, causing significant economic losses to the poultry industry and posing a serious threat to human health. In 2019, H7N2 and H7N9 co-circulated in Chinese poultry, yet the risk of H7N2 remained unclear. We isolated and sequenced four H7N2 viruses from chickens, revealing them as novel reassortants with H7N9-derived HA, M, NS genes and H9N2-derived PB2, PB1, PA,NP, NA genes. To further explore the key segment of pathogenicity, H7N2-H7N9NA and H7N2-H9N2HA single-substitution were constructed. Pathogenicity study showed H7N2 isolates to be highly pathogenic in chickens, with H7N2-H7N9NA slightly weaker than H7N2-Wild type. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that H7N9-derived HA genes primarily drove the high pathogenicity of H7N2 isolates, eliciting a strong inflammatory response. These findings underscored the increased threat posed by reassorted H7N2 viruses to chickens, emphasizing the necessity of long-term monitoring of H7 subtype avian influenza viruses.
Subject(s)
Chickens , Influenza A Virus, H7N2 Subtype , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype , Influenza in Birds , Reassortant Viruses , Animals , Chickens/virology , Influenza in Birds/virology , Influenza in Birds/transmission , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/pathogenicity , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/isolation & purification , Reassortant Viruses/pathogenicity , Reassortant Viruses/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H7N2 Subtype/pathogenicity , Influenza A Virus, H7N2 Subtype/genetics , Poultry Diseases/virology , Poultry Diseases/transmission , Virulence , Phylogeny , Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype/pathogenicity , Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype/physiology , ChinaABSTRACT
The proportion of human isolates with reduced neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) susceptibility in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H7N9 virus was high. These drug-resistant strains showed good replication capacity without serious loss of fitness. In the presence of oseltamivir, R229I substitution were found in HA1 region of the HPAI H7N9 virus before NA R292K appeared. HPAI H7N9 or H7N9/PR8 recombinant viruses were developed to study whether HA R229I could increase the fitness of the H7N9 virus bearing NA 292K. Replication efficiency was assessed in MDCK or A549 cells. Neuraminidase enzyme activity and receptor-binding ability were analyzed. Pathogenicity in C57 mice was evaluated. Antigenicity analysis was conducted through a two-way HI test, in which the antiserum was obtained from immunized ferrets. Transcriptomic analysis of MDCK infected with HPAI H7N9 24hpi was done. It turned out that HA R229I substitution from oseltamivir induction in HA1 region increased (1) replication ability in MDCK(P < 0.05) and A549(P < 0.05), (2) neuraminidase enzyme activity, (3) binding ability to both α2,3 and α2,6 receptor, (4) pathogenicity to mice(more weight loss; shorter mean survival day; viral titer in respiratory tract, P < 0.05; Pathological changes in pneumonia), (5) transcriptome response of MDCK, of the H7N9 virus bearing NA 292K. Besides, HA R229I substitution changed the antigenicity of H7N9/PR8 virus (>4-fold difference of HI titre). It indicated that through the fine-tuning of HA-NA balance, R229I increased the fitness and changed the antigenicity of H7N9 virus bearing NA 292K. Public health attention to this mechanism needs to be drawn.
Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype , Neuraminidase , Orthomyxoviridae Infections , Oseltamivir , Virus Replication , Animals , Oseltamivir/pharmacology , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/drug effects , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/pathogenicity , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/immunology , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/physiology , Neuraminidase/genetics , Neuraminidase/metabolism , Dogs , Virus Replication/drug effects , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Humans , Mice , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/virology , Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells , A549 Cells , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Drug Resistance, Viral/genetics , Amino Acid Substitution , Influenza, Human/virology , Ferrets , Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/genetics , Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/immunology , Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/metabolism , Female , Viral Proteins/genetics , Viral Proteins/metabolismABSTRACT
Human infections with the H7N9 influenza virus have been eliminated in China through vaccination of poultry; however, the H7N9 virus has not yet been eradicated from poultry. Carefully analysis of H7N9 viruses in poultry that have sub-optimal immunity may provide a unique opportunity to witness the evolution of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in the context of vaccination. Between January 2020 and June 2023, we isolated 16 H7N9 viruses from samples we collected during surveillance and samples that were sent to us for disease diagnosis. Genetic analysis indicated that these viruses belonged to a single genotype previously detected in poultry. Antigenic analysis indicated that 12 of the 16 viruses were antigenically close to the H7-Re4 vaccine virus that has been used since January 2022, and the other four viruses showed reduced reactivity with the vaccine. Animal studies indicated that all 16 viruses were nonlethal in mice, and four of six viruses showed reduced virulence in chickens upon intranasally inoculation. Importantly, the H7N9 viruses detected in this study exclusively bound to the avian-type receptors, having lost the capacity to bind to human-type receptors. Our study shows that vaccination slows the evolution of H7N9 virus by preventing its reassortment with other viruses and eliminates a harmful characteristic of H7N9 virus, namely its ability to bind to human-type receptors.
Subject(s)
Chickens , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype , Influenza Vaccines , Influenza in Birds , Vaccination , Animals , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/immunology , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/pathogenicity , Chickens/virology , Influenza Vaccines/immunology , Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage , Influenza in Birds/virology , Influenza in Birds/prevention & control , Influenza in Birds/immunology , Mice , Humans , China , Evolution, Molecular , Influenza, Human/prevention & control , Influenza, Human/virology , Influenza, Human/immunology , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Virulence , Phylogeny , Female , Poultry Diseases/virology , Poultry Diseases/prevention & control , Poultry/virologyABSTRACT
We characterized the evolution and molecular characteristics of avian influenza A(H7N9) viruses isolated in China during 2021-2023. We systematically analyzed the 10-year evolution of the hemagglutinin gene to determine the evolutionary branch. Our results showed recent antigenic drift, providing crucial clues for updating the H7N9 vaccine and disease prevention and control.
Subject(s)
Antigens, Viral , Evolution, Molecular , Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype , Influenza in Birds , Influenza, Human , Phylogeny , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/immunology , China/epidemiology , Animals , Influenza in Birds/virology , Influenza in Birds/epidemiology , Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/genetics , Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/immunology , Humans , Influenza, Human/epidemiology , Influenza, Human/virology , Influenza, Human/immunology , Antigens, Viral/immunology , Antigens, Viral/genetics , Birds/virology , Antigenic VariationABSTRACT
Pandemic preparedness starts with an early warning system of viruses with a pandemic potential. Based on information collected in a multitude of surveys, hazard models were developed identifying influenza viruses presenting a pandemic threat. Scores are attributed for 10 viral traits by expert panels which identified avian influenza viruses (AIV) belonging to subtypes H7N9 and H5N1 as representing the greatest pandemic risk. In 2013, more than 100 human cases infected with AIV H7N9 were observed in China. Case fatality rate (CFR) was high (27%), but the human-to-human transmission rate was low and by serological evidence H7N9 did not spread widely. Nevertheless, until 2019 more than 1500 H7N9 patients were identified characterized by a high CFR of 39%. Serology demonstrated that mild infections with H7N9 were widespread. In 2003, more than 400 people experienced AIV H7N7 cross-infection causing mainly conjunctivitis during a large poultry epidemic in The Netherlands. Between 1996 and 2019, a total of 881 human infections with avian H5N1 viruses were documented showing a CFR of 52%. Outbreaks were centred on South East Asia and showed close associations with epizootics in poultry. Mutations predisposing to human cross-infections were identified in the haemagglutinin (HA) and the RNA polymerase subunit PB2 of human H7N9 isolates. Human H5N1 isolates showed mutations in the receptor binding domain of HA and transmission in mammals could be obtained by as few as four additional aa changes introduced experimentally. Researchers have defined viral point mutations in HA, PB2 and the nucleoprotein NP that allowed AIV to cross the species barrier to mammals with respect to receptor recognition, RNA replication and escape from innate immunity respectively. Based on this insight a sequence-based early warning system for AIV preadapted to human transmission could be envisioned. Mink farms and live poultry markets are prime targets for such sequencing efforts.
Subject(s)
Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype , Influenza A Virus, H7N7 Subtype , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype , Influenza in Birds , Influenza, Human , Animals , Humans , Influenza in Birds/epidemiology , Influenza, Human/epidemiology , Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics , Pandemic Preparedness , Proportional Hazards Models , MammalsABSTRACT
Avian influenza (AI) viruses cause infection in birds and humans. Several H5N1 and H7N9 variants are highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses. H5N1 is a highly infectious bird virus infecting primarily poultry, but unlike other AIs, H5N1 also infects mammals and transmits to humans with a case fatality rate above 40%. Similarly, H7N9 can infect humans, with a case fatality rate of over 40%. Since 1996, there have been several HPAI outbreaks affecting humans, emphasizing the need for safe and effective antivirals. We show that probenecid potently inhibits H5N1 and H7N9 replication in prophylactically or therapeutically treated A549 cells and normal human broncho-epithelial (NHBE) cells, and H5N1 replication in VeroE6 cells and mice.
Subject(s)
Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype , Influenza in Birds , Influenza, Human , Animals , Humans , Mice , Influenza in Birds/drug therapy , Influenza in Birds/prevention & control , Influenza in Birds/epidemiology , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics , Probenecid , Birds , MammalsABSTRACT
Due to the fact that many avian influenza viruses that kill chickens are not lethal to ducks, farmers are reluctant to use avian influenza inactivated vaccines on ducks. Large numbers of unvaccinated ducks play an important role in the transmission of avian influenza viruses from wild birds to domestic poultry, creating a substantial challenge to vaccination strategies for avian influenza control. To solve this problem, we constructed a recombinant duck enteritis virus (DEV), rDEV-dH5/H7, using a live attenuated DEV vaccine strain (vDEV) as a vector. rDEV-dH5/H7 carries the hemagglutinin gene of two H5 viruses [GZ/S4184/17 (H5N6) (clade 2.3.4.4â h) and LN/SD007/17 (H5N1) (clade 2.3.2.1d)] and an H7 virus [GX/SD098/17 (H7N9)]. These three hemagglutinin genes were stably inherited in rDEV-dH5/H7 and expressed in rDEV-dH5/H7-infected cells. Animal studies revealed that rDEV-dH5/H7 and vDEV induced similar neutralizing antibody responses and protection against lethal DEV challenge. Importantly, rDEV-dH5/H7 induced strong and long-lasting hemagglutinin inhibition antibodies against different H5 and H7 viruses and provided complete protection against challenges with homologous and heterologous highly pathogenic H5 and H7 influenza viruses in ducks. Our study shows that rDEV-dH5/H7 could serve as an ideal live attenuated vaccine to protect ducks against infection with lethal DEV and highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses.
Subject(s)
Enteritis , Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype , Influenza Vaccines , Influenza in Birds , Animals , Ducks , Hemagglutinins , Chickens , Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/genetics , Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics , Influenza Vaccines/genetics , Genetic VectorsABSTRACT
Influenza viruses are the most common cause of serious respiratory illnesses worldwide and are responsible for a significant number of annual fatalities. Therefore, it is crucial to look for new immunogenic sites that might trigger an effective immune response. In the present study, bioinformatics tools were used to design mRNA and multiepitope-based vaccines against H5N1 and H7N9 subtypes of avian influenza viruses. Several Immunoinformatic tools were employed to extrapolate T and B lymphocyte epitopes of HA and NA proteins of both subtypes. The molecular docking approach was used to dock the selected HTL and CTL epitopes with the corresponding MHC molecules. Eight (8) CTL, four (4) HTL, and Six (6) linear B cell epitopes were chosen for the structural arrangement of mRNA and of peptide-based prophylactic vaccine designs. Different physicochemical characteristics of the selected epitopes fitted with suitable linkers were analyzed. High antigenic, non-toxic, and non-allergenic features of the designed vaccines were noted at a neutral physiological pH. Codon optimization tool was used to check the GC content and CAI value of constructed MEVC-Flu vaccine, which were recorded to be 50.42% and 0.97 respectively. the GC content and CAI value verify the stable expression of vaccine in pET28a + vector. In-silico immunological simulation the MEVC-Flu vaccine construct revealed a high level of immune responses. The molecular dynamics simulation and docking results confirmed the stable interaction of TLR-8 and MEVC-Flu vaccine. Based on these parameters, vaccine constructs can be regarded as an optimistic choice against H5N1 and H7N9 strains of the influenza virus. Further experimental testing of these prophylactic vaccine designs against pathogenic avian influenza strains may clarify their safety and efficacy.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Subject(s)
Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype , Influenza Vaccines , Influenza in Birds , Animals , Influenza in Birds/prevention & control , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics , Molecular Docking Simulation , RNA, Messenger/genetics , Immunoinformatics , Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte , Vaccines, Subunit , Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte , Computational BiologyABSTRACT
H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV) can transmit by direct as well as airborne contacts. It has been widespread in poultry and continued to contribute to zoonotic spillover events by providing its six internal genes for the reassortment of novel influenza viruses (eg, H7N9) that infect poultry and humans. Compared to H7N9, H9N2 virus displays an efficient airborne transmissibility in poultry, but the mechanisms of transmission difference have been insufficiently studied. The Hemagglutinin (HA) and viral polymerase acidic protein (PA) have been implicated in the airborne transmission of influenza A viruses. Accordingly, we generated the reassortant viruses of circulating airborne transmissible H9N2 and non-airborne transmissible H7N9 viruses carrying HA and/or PA gene. The introduction of the PA gene from H7N9 into the genome of H9N2 virus resulted in a reduction in airborne transmission among chickens, while the isolated introduction of the HA gene segment completely eliminated airborne transmission among chickens. We further showed that introduction of HA gene of non-transmissible H7N9 did not influence the HA/NA balance of H9N2 virus, but increased the threshold for membrane fusion and decreased the acid stability. Thus, our results indicate that HA protein plays a key role in replication, stability, and airborne transmission of the H9N2 subtype AIV.
Subject(s)
Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype , Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype , Influenza in Birds , Influenza, Human , Humans , Animals , Chickens , Hemagglutinins , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics , Respiratory Aerosols and Droplets , Poultry , Viral Proteins/genetics , Viral Proteins/metabolism , Reassortant Viruses/genetics , Reassortant Viruses/metabolism , PhylogenyABSTRACT
Low pathogenic (LP) H7N9 avian influenza virus (AIV) emerged in 2013 and had spread widely over several months in China, experienced a noteworthy reduction in isolation rate in poultry and human since 2017. Here, we examined the transmission of H7N9 viruses to better understand viral spread and dissemination mechanisms. Three out of four viruses (2013-2016) could transmit in chickens through direct contact, and airborne transmission was confirmed in the JT157 (2016) virus. However, we did not detect the transmission of the two 2017 viruses, WF69 and AH395, through either direct or airborne exposure. Molecular analysis of genome sequence of two viruses identified eleven mutations located in viral proteins (except for matrix protein), such as PA (K362R and S364N) and HA (D167N, H7 numbering), etc. We explored the genetic determinants that contributed to the difference in transmissibility of the viruses in chickens by generating a series of reassortants in the JT157 background. We found that the replacement of HA gene in JT157 by that of WF69 abrogated the airborne transmission in recipient chickens, whereas the combination of HA and PA replacement led to the loss of airborne and direct contact transmission. Failure with contact transmission of the viruses has been associated with the emergence of the mutations D167N in HA and K362R and S364N in PA. Furthermore, the HA D167N mutation significantly reduced viral attachment to chicken lung and trachea tissues, while mutations K362R and S364N in PA reduced the nuclear transport efficiency and the PA protein expression levels in both cytoplasm and nucleus of CEF cells. The D167N substitution in HA reduced the H7N9 viral acid stability and avian-like receptor binding, while enhanced human-like receptor binding. Further analysis revealed these mutants grew poorly in vitro and in vivo. To conclude, H7N9 AIVs that contain mutations in the HA and PA protein reduced the viral transmissibility in chicken, and may pose a reduced threat for poultry but remain a heightened public health risk.
Subject(s)
Hemagglutinins , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype , Influenza in Birds , Influenza, Human , Animals , Humans , Chickens , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics , Mutation , Poultry , Hemagglutinins/genetics , RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/genetics , Viral Proteins/geneticsABSTRACT
Avian influenza A viruses (IAVs) that cross the species barrier to infect humans have the potential to initiate a new pandemic. However, the host factors influencing avian IAV infection remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis by integrating our in-house genome-wide association study (GWAS) of avian IAV H7N9 susceptibility (with 217 cases and 116 controls) with the largest GWAS of serum IgA levels to date (sample size 41 263). Using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, we discovered that genetically decreased serum IgA levels were associated with an increased risk of H7N9 infection (ß = -2.528, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -4.572 to -0.484; p = 0.015). Consistent results were obtained from three other MR methods, including robust IVW estimation (ß = -2.506, 95% CI: -4.109 to -0.902; p = 0.002), generalized summary-data-based MR (GSMR) (ß = -2.238, 95% CI: -4.106 to -0.602; p = 0.019), and MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) (ß = -2.528, 95% CI: -4.396 to -0.892; p = 0.026). In conclusion, our analysis provided compelling evidence support a causal relationship between genetically predicted serum IgA levels and avian IAV H7N9 susceptibility.
Subject(s)
Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype , Animals , Humans , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics , Genome-Wide Association Study , Mendelian Randomization Analysis , Databases, Factual , Immunoglobulin AABSTRACT
IMPORTANCE: A/H7 avian influenza viruses cause outbreaks in poultry globally, resulting in outbreaks with significant socio-economical impact and zoonotic risks. Occasionally, poultry vaccination programs have been implemented to reduce the burden of these viruses, which might result in an increased immune pressure accelerating antigenic evolution. In fact, evidence for antigenic diversification of A/H7 influenza viruses exists, posing challenges to pandemic preparedness and the design of vaccination strategies efficacious against drifted variants. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the global antigenic diversity of A/H7 influenza viruses and identified the main substitutions in the hemagglutinin responsible for antigenic evolution in A/H7N9 viruses isolated between 2013 and 2019. The A/H7 antigenic map and knowledge of the molecular determinants of their antigenic evolution add value to A/H7 influenza virus surveillance programs, the design of vaccines and vaccination strategies, and pandemic preparedness.
Subject(s)
Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype , Influenza in Birds , Influenza, Human , Animals , Humans , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics , Hemagglutinins , Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/genetics , Antigenic Variation , Disease Outbreaks , Poultry , Influenza in Birds/epidemiology , Influenza in Birds/prevention & control , Influenza, Human/epidemiology , Influenza, Human/prevention & controlABSTRACT
This study aims to screen and identify specific cluster miRNAs of H7N9 virus-infected N2a cells and explore the possible pathogenesis of these miRNAs. The N2a cells are infected with H7N9 and H1N1 influenza viruses, and the cells are collected at 12, 24 and 48 h to extract total RNA. To sequence miRNAs and identify different virus-specific miRNAs, high-throughput sequencing technology is used. Fifteen H7N9 virus-specific cluster miRNAs are screened, and eight of them are included in the miRBase database. These cluster-specific miRNAs regulate many signaling pathways, such as the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the RAS signaling pathway, the cAMP signaling pathway, actin cytoskeleton regulation and cancer-related genes. The study provides a scientific basis for the pathogenesis of H7N9 avian influenza, which is regulated by miRNAs.
Subject(s)
Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype , Influenza in Birds , Influenza, Human , MicroRNAs , Animals , Humans , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics , MicroRNAs/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/genetics , Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases , Influenza, Human/geneticsABSTRACT
H11N9 viruses in wild birds might have provided the NA gene of human H7N9 virus in early 2013 in China, which evolved with highly pathogenic strains in 2017 and caused severe fatalities. To investigate the prevalence and evolution of the H11N9 influenza viruses, 16,781 samples were collected and analyzed during 2016-2020. As a result, a novel strain of influenza A (H11N9) virus with several characteristics that increase virulence was isolated. This strain had reduced pathogenicity in chicken and mice and was able to replicate in mice without prior adaptation. Phylogenetic analyses showed that it was a sextuple-reassortant virus of H11N9, H3N8, H3N6, H7N9, H9N2, and H6N8 viruses present in China, similar to the H11N9 strains in Japan and Korea during the same period. This was the H11N9 strain isolated from China most recently, which add a record to viruses in wild birds. This study identified a new H11N9 reassortant in a wild bird with key mutation contributing to virulence. Therefore, comprehensive surveillance and enhanced biosecurity precautions are particularly important for the prediction and prevention of potential pandemics resulting from reassortant viruses with continuous evolution and expanding geographic distributions.
Subject(s)
Influenza A Virus, H3N8 Subtype , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype , Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype , Influenza in Birds , Animals , Mice , Humans , Ducks , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype/genetics , Phylogeny , Animals, Wild , Chickens , Reassortant Viruses/geneticsABSTRACT
Emerging evidence has demonstrated the critical role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in regulating gene expression. However, the functional significance and mechanisms underlying influenza A virus (IAV)-host lncRNA interactions are still elusive. Here, we identified a functional lncRNA, LncRNA#61, as a broad anti-IAV factor. LncRNA#61 is highly upregulated by different subtypes of IAV, including human H1N1 virus and avian H5N1 and H7N9 viruses. Furthermore, nuclear-enriched LncRNA#61 can translocate from the nucleus to the cytoplasm soon after IAV infection. Forced LncRNA#61 expression dramatically impedes viral replication of various subtypes of IAV, including human H1N1 virus and avian H3N2/N8, H4N6, H5N1, H6N2/N8, H7N9, H8N4, H10N3, H11N2/N6/N9 viruses. Conversely, abolishing LncRNA#61 expression substantially favored viral replication. More importantly, LncRNA#61 delivered by the lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated strategy shows good performance in restraining viral replication in mice. Interestingly, LncRNA#61 is involved in multiple steps of the viral replication cycle, including virus entry, viral RNA synthesis and the virus release period. Mechanistically, the four long ring arms of LncRNA#61 mainly mediate its broad antiviral effect and contribute to its inhibition of viral polymerase activity and nuclear aggregation of key polymerase components. Therefore, we defined LncRNA#61 as a potential broad-spectrum antiviral factor for IAV. Our study further extends our understanding of the stunning and unanticipated biology of lncRNAs as well as their close interaction with IAV, providing valuable clues for developing novel broad anti-IAV therapeutics targeting host lncRNAs.