Substrate specificity of avian influenza H5N1 neuraminidase

AIM: To characterise neuraminidase(NA) substrate specificity of avian influenza H5N1 strains from humans and birds comparing to seasonal influenza virus.METHODS: Avian influenza H5N1 strains from humans and birds were recruited for characterising their NA substrate specificity by using a modified commercial fluorescence Amplex Red assay. This method can identify the preference of α2,6-linked sialic acid or α2,3-linked sialic acid. Moreover, to avoid the bias of input virus, reverse genetic virus using NA gene from human isolated H5N1 were generated and used to compare with the seasonal influenza virus. Lastly, the substrate specificity profile was further confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) analysis of the enzymatic product. RESULTS: The H5N1 NA showed higher activity on α2,3-linked sialic acid than α2,6-linked(P 0.0001). To compare the NA activity between the H5N1 and seasonal influenza viruses, reverse genetic viruses carrying the NA of H5N1 viruses and NA from a seasonal H3N2 virus was generated. In these reverse genetic viruses, the NA activity of the H5N1 showed markedly higher activity against α2,3-linked sialic acid than that of the H3N2 virus, whereas the activities on α2,6-linkage were comparable. Interestingly, NA from an H5N1 human isolate that was previously shown to have heamagglutinin(HA) with dual specificity showed reduced activity on α2,3-linkage. To confirm the substrate specificity profile, HPLC analytic of enzymatic product was performed. Similar to Amplex red assay, H5N1 virus showed abundant preference on α2,3-linked sialic acid.CONCLUSION: H5N1 virus maintains the avian specific NA and NA changes may be needed to accompany changes in HA receptor preference for the viral adaptation to humans.     

应用巢式RT-PCR扩增HA和NA基因片段并测序鉴定甲型H1N1流感病毒

目的 建立一种利用巢式RT-PCR特异扩增HA和NA基因片段并测序鉴定甲型H1N1流感病毒的技术.方法 设计两套共7条特异引物,通过巢式RT-PCR分别扩增甲型H1N1流感病毒HA和NA基因片段并测序,所得序列与人感染甲型流感病毒主要HA和NA亚型序列进行进化树分析以对结果作进一步鉴定,蛋白序列比对后分析其特征.结果 4例甲型H1N1流感患者流感病毒HA和NA基因RT-PCR扩增均分别得到442 bp和543 bp片段产物.核苷酸序列进化分析表明,该4例患者HA和NA序列分别与2009年爆发的甲型H1N1流感病毒HA及NA序列聚集在一起,与季节性H1、H2、H3、人禽流感H5亚型及季节性N1、N2、人禽流感N1亚型特异分开.蛋白序列分析表明,4例患者流感病毒HA蛋白裂解位点附近氨基酸序列均为PSIQSR↓GLF,不具有高致病性流感病毒的特性,NA蛋白第275位氨基酸为His,未出现H275Y的耐药变异.结论 本方法能特异扩增甲型H1N1流感病毒HA和NA基因片段,测序后可用于甲型H1N1流感病毒的进一步鉴定;同时,得到的序列也可用于流感病毒致病力及耐药性的分析.     

The interaction of influenza H5N1 viral hemagglutinin with sialic acid receptors leads to the activation of human γδT cells

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N 1 epidemics are a significant public health hazard. Genetically engineered H5N 1 viruses with mammalian transmission activity highlight the potential risk of a human influenza H5N 1 pandemic. Understanding the underlying principles of the innate immune system in response to influenza H5N 1 viruses will lead to improved prevention and control of these potentially deadly viruses, γδT cells act as the first line of defense against microbial infection and help initiate adaptive immune responses during the early stages of viral infection. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of γδ T cells in response to influenza H5N1 viral infection, We found that recombinant hemagglutinin （rHA） derived from three different strains of influenza H5N 1 viruses elicited the activation of γδ T cells cultured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs）. Both the cell surface expression of CD69, an early activation marker on γδ T cells, and the production of interferon-y （IFN-y） were significantly increased. Notably, the rHA protein-induced γδ T-cell activation was not mediated by TCRγδ, NKG2D or pattern recognition receptors （PRRs） or NKp46 receptors. The interaction of rHA proteins with sialic acid receptors may play a critical role in γδ T-cell activation. Our data may provide insight into the mechanisms underlyingγδT-cell activation in response to infection with H5N1 viruses.     

一起甲型H1N1流感疫情病原检测及其HA与NA基因特性研究

目的 确认引起一起流感暴发疫情的病原,阐明该病原的血凝素基因(HA)和神经氨酸酶基因(NA)的特性.方法 疫情中最早出现流感样症状病例的咽拭子样本用real-time RT-PCR方法检测甲型H1N1流感病毒核酸,采用鸡胚分离法进行病毒培养,选取两病毒分离株进行HA和NA核苷酸序列测定,并进行基因特性分析.结果 此次流感疫情是由甲型H1N1流感病毒引起的,其HA和NA基因均与参比毒株的HA和NA基因高度同源,NA基因没有发生H274Y突变.结论 本研究的甲型H1N1流感病毒分离株为疫苗亲本株和中国分离株的类似株,对神经氨酸酶抑制剂类药物(如达菲)敏感.     

2009年泉州市H1N1流感监测及基因特性分析

目的 了解2009年泉州地区H1N1流感监测情况,分析泉州市H1N1流感病毒的HA和NA基因特征,探讨该病毒的遗传变异及分子特性.方法 对泉州市H1N1流感监测期间的病人咽拭子采用real-time RT-PCR方法检测病毒核酸,MDCK细胞培养进行病毒分离、鉴定,并提取其中2株代表性毒株病毒RNA;采用RT-PCR扩增病毒HA和NA基因,纯化产物进行核苷酸序列测定;用DNAStar Megalign软件进行序列分析.结果 1020份咽拭子中有200份为H1N1流感病毒核酸阳性,70份季节性流感病毒核酸阳性,其中53份为H3N2亚型,14份为H1N1亚型,3份为B型,并分离到29株甲型H1N1流感病毒株.HA基因经核苷酸序列测定显示,该毒株与北美流行株高度同源,由HA基因核苷酸序列推导的氨基酸系列与疫苗株A/Brisbane/59/2007相比,有22个位于抗原决定簇的氨基酸位点发生变异,但受体结合特异性仍为人样受体.NA基因耐药性位点分析,显示对达菲药物依然敏感.结论 2009年泉州市H1N1流感流行毒株与北美流行株高度同源,相对于疫苗代表株出现了HA蛋白抗原性的改变.     

1994-2006年深圳市分离的B型流感病毒分子进化研究

目的 通过对深圳市分离的B型流感病毒HA1分子系统进化分析,初步了解深圳市B型流感病毒的流行变异规律.方法 选取深圳市1994-2006共13年间分离的50株B型流感毒株,通过RT-PCR将其HA1基因片段扩增后进行序列解析,然后,通过MEGA等软件对序列进行分子进化分析.结果 1994-2006年间深圳市流行的B型流感病毒分为Yamagata和Victoria两个亚系,两系的毒株分别是不同年份的主要流行株.两个亚系的HA1分子具有1个糖基化位点的差异,在4个抗原决定簇区域也分布有多个氨基酸位点的变异.结论 1994-2006年间深圳市B型流感病毒的两个亚系分别在不同年份主导流行,但变异均比较缓慢.

Abstract：

Objective To study the prevalence and variation of influenza B viruses of Shenzhen. Methods Fifty strains influenza B viruses in Shenzhen from 1994 to 2006 were selected. HA1 gene were amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of HA1 was conducted by MEGA program. Results The influenza B viruses of Shenzhen were divided into Yamagata and Victoria lineage. The two lineages prevailed respectively in different years from 1994 to 2006. The variance of glycosylation site and some mutations of antigenic determinants were detected in the two lineages. Conclusion The viruses of Yamagata and Victoria lineage prevailed respectively in different years in Shenzhen but the mutation rates of the two lineages were slowly.     

Apoptosis and proinflammatory cytokine responses of primary mouse microglia and astrocytes induced by human H1N1 and avian H5N1 influenza viruses

Patients with an influenza virus infection can be complicated by acute encephalopathy and encephalitis. To investigate the immune reactions involved in the neurocomplication, mouse microglia and astrocytes were isolated, infected with human H1N1 and avian H5N1 influenza viruses, and examined for their immune responses. We observed homogeneously distributed viral receptors, sialic acid （SA）-a2,3-Galactose （Gal） and SA-a2,6-Gal, on microglia and astrocytes. Both viruses were replicative and productive in microglia and astrocytes. Virus-induced apoptosis and cytopathy in infected cells were observed at 24 h post-infection （p.i.）. Expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-a mRNA examined at 6 h and 24 h p.i. was up-regulated, and their expression levels were considerably higher in H5N1 infection. The amounts of secreted proinflammatory IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-a at 6 h and 24 h p.i. were also induced, with greater induction by H5N1 infection. This study is the first demonstration that both human H1N1 and avian H5N1 influenza viruses can infect mouse microglia and astrocytes and induce apoptosis, cytopathy, and proinflammatory cytokine production in them in vitro. Our results suggest that the direct cellular damage and the consequences of immunopathological injury in the CNS contribute to the influenza viral pathogenesis. Cellular ＆ Molecular Immunology.     

季节性流感裂解疫苗在小鼠中半数有效剂量ED50a的测定

Objective To evaluate the seasonal influenza spilt vaccine's immunogenicity and the 50% effective dose ( ED50a ) of hemagglutin ( HA ) that can make 50% of the mice hemagglutination inhibition antibody ( HI ) titers to 40. Methods The 2008-2009 seasonal influenza spilt vaccine's two components, with HA from H1N1 and H3N2 influenza virus respectively, were used as a model. Mice were immunized once or twice with different doses, and the HI antibody titers were tested to determine the immunization procedure and to evaluate the immugenicity of seasonal influenza spilt vaccine in mice;Consequently, HI antibody response kinetics of the two components were observed to determine the time point when the HI antibody titer reached the peak point; Finally, mice were immunized with different doses of HA to evaluate the ED50a that can make 50% of mice HI titers reach 40. Results Immunization procedures study showed that one-dose of seasonal influenza vaccine induced the HI antibody titem ranged from 10 to 120, while two-dose of influenza vaccine improved the HI antibody titer 10-100 times as compared with one dose; antibody kinetics study suggested that the time point of HI antibody produced to peak is 28-35 days post one dose immunization ; and the ED50a detection results indicated that one dose of 1.5 μg HA could make 50% of the mice HI antibody titer reach 40. Conclusion Seasonal influenza spilt vaccine is very immunogenic in mouse; the time point of HI antibody produced to peak is 28-35 days post one dose immunization; and the ED50a of HA is 1.5 μg, which can make 50% of the mice HI titer reach 40. The experimental results provided foundation for the establishment of influenza vaccine evaluation system based on seasonal influenza vaccine.     

96例甲型H1N1流感的临床分析

Objective To review the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of 96 cases with novel H1N1 influenza A.and improve the diagnosis and treatment level of novel H1N1 influenza A.Methods 96 cases of novel H1N1 influenza A admitted to the isolation wards from Oct 20 to Sep 23,2009 were studied.Their epidemioiogic,clinical,laboratory,and radiologic characteristics were analyzed. Results The median age of the 96 patients was 26.52 ±10.62 years(range,5 to 60 years).Sixty-four of the 96 patients had a close contact with novel H1N1 influenza A patients.The main symptoms included fever 100%,cough 86.4%,sore throat 66.6% and myalgia 32.3%.Conclusion The clinical presentation of novel H1N1 infection is largely indistinguishable from that of seasonal influenza.Combines beth a symptom complex with the epidemiological investigation and laboratory characteristics can improve the accuracy of diagnosis of novel H1N1 influenza A.     

一起新甲型H1N1流感暴发疫情的流行病学和病原学分析

目的 对2009年11月下旬北京市延庆县一封闭式管理的集体单位暴发的一起急性呼吸道感染疫情进行流行病学和病原学分析.方法 采集患者咽拭子标本,用Real-Time RT-PCR方法进行新甲型,季节性甲1、季节性甲3和乙型流感病毒的核酸检测.对ct＜30的阳性标本进行全长NA基因编码区扩增、克隆、测序及进化树分析.结果 27份标本有22份（81.48%）real-Time RTPCR为新甲型H1N1阳性;暴发株全长神经氨酸酶（NA）基因核苷酸和氨基酸序列同源99.9%和99.8%,与A/Tomsk/05/2009（H1N1）序列同源最高达100%,且NA的酶活性位点及其周围辅助位点、糖基化位点未见氨基酸替换现象.结论 此次暴发疫情主要由同一新甲型H1N1流感病毒毒株传播所致;同一病毒株在同一时期不同地域流行;高度保守的NA基因氨基酸序列是抗流感药物研发的重要靶点.     

Adamantane- and oseltamivir-resistant seasonal A (H1N1) and pandemic A (H1N1) 2009 influenza viruses in Guangdong, China, during 2008 and 2009

Adamantane and oseltamivir resistance among influenza viruses is a major concern to public health officials. To determine the prevalence of antiviral-resistant influenza viruses in Guangdong, China, 244 seasonal A (H1N1) and 222 pandemic A (H1N1) 2009 viruses were screened for oseltamivir resistance by a fluorescence-based neuraminidase (NA) inhibition assay along with NA gene sequencing. Also, 147 seasonal A (H1N1) viruses were sequenced to detect adamantane resistance markers in M2. Adamantane-resistant seasonal A (H1N1) viruses clustering to clade 2C were dominant in 2008, followed by oseltamivir-resistant seasonal A (H1N1) viruses, clustering to clade 2B during January and May 2009. In June 2009, a lineage of double-resistant seasonal A (H1N1) viruses emerged, until it was replaced by the pandemic A (H1N1) 2009 viruses. The lineage most likely resulted from reassortment under the pressure of the overuse of adamantanes. As all viruses were resistant to at least one of the two types of antiviral agents, the need for close monitoring of the prevalence of antiviral resistance is stressed.     

Characterization of oseltamivir‐resistant influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses in Taiwan in 2009–2011

The early isolated swine‐origin influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses were susceptible to oseltamivir; however, there is a concern about whether oseltamivir‐resistant influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses will spread worldwide as did the oseltamivir‐resistant seasonal influenza A(H1N1) viruses in 2007–2008. In this study, the frequency of oseltamivir resistance in influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses was determined in Taiwan. From May 2009 to April 2011, 1,335 A(H1N1)pdm09‐positive cases in Taiwan were tested for the H275Y mutation in the neuraminidase (NA) gene that confers resistance to oseltamivir. Among these, 15 patients (1.1%) were found to be infected with H275Y virus. All the resistant viruses were detected after the patients have received the oseltamivir. The overall monthly ratio of H275Y‐harboring viruses ranged between 0% and 2.88%, and the peak was correlated with influenza epidemics. The genetic analysis revealed that the oseltamivir‐resistant A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses can emerged from different variants with a great diversity under drug pressure. The ratio of NA/HA activities in different clades of oseltamivir‐resistant viruses was reduced compared to those in the wild‐type viruses, indicating that the balance of NA/HA in the current oseltamivir‐resistant influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses was interfered. It is possible that H275Y‐bearing A(H1N1)pdm09 virus has not yet spread globally because it lacks the essential permissive mutations that can compensate for the negative impact on fitness by the H275Y amino acid substitution in NA. Continuous monitoring the evolution patterns of sensitive and resistant viruses is required to respond to possible emergence of resistant viruses with permissive genetic background which enable the wide spread of resistance. J. Med. Virol. 85:379–387, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Subtype identification of the novel A H1N1 and other human influenza A viruses using an oligonucleotide microarray

A novel strain of influenza A (H1N1) virus was isolated in Mexico and the US in March and April 2009. This novel virus spread to many countries and regions in a few months, and WHO raised the level of pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6 on June 11, 2009. The accurate identification of H1N1 virus and other human seasonal influenza A viruses is very important for further treatment and control of their infections. In this study, we developed an oligonucleotide microarray to subtype human H1N1, H3N2 and H5N1 influenza viruses, which could distinguish the novel H1N1 from human seasonal H1N1 influenza viruses and swine H1N1 influenza viruses. The microarray utilizes a panel of primers for multiplex PCR amplification of the hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA) and matrix (MP) genes of human influenza A viruses. The 59-mer oligonucleotides were designed to distinguish different subtypes of human influenza A viruses. With this microarray, we accurately identified and correctly subtyped the reference virus strains. Moreover, we confirmed 4 out of 39 clinical throat swab specimens from suspected cases of novel H1N1.     

Rapid identification of neuraminidase inhibitor resistance mutations in seasonal influenza virus A(H1N1), A(H1N1)2009, and A(H3N2) subtypes by melting point analysis

The high mutation rate of influenza virus, combined with the increasing worldwide use of influenza virus-specific drugs, allows the selection of viruses that are resistant to the currently available antiviral medications. Therefore, reliable tests for the rapid detection of drug-resistant influenza virus strains are required. We evaluated the use of a procedure involving real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by melting point analysis (MPA) of hybrids formed between the PCR product and a specific oligonucleotide probe for the identification of point mutations in the influenza A virus neuraminidase gene (NA) that are associated with oseltamivir resistance [resulting in the amino acid change H275Y for seasonal and pandemic influenza A(H1N1) viruses and E119V for A(H3N2) viruses]. Therefore, 54 seasonal A(H1N1) (12 oseltamivir-resistant and 42 sensitive strains), 222 A(H1N1)2009 (5 resistant, 217 sensitive), and 51 A(H3N2) viruses (2 resistant, 49 sensitive) were tested by MPA, and the results were compared to those obtained by sequencing the NA gene. The results clearly indicate that the identification of drug resistance mutations by MPA is as accurate as sequencing, irrespective of whether MPA is performed using clinical material or the corresponding isolate. MPA enables a clear identification of mutations associated with antiviral resistance.     

Identification of oseltamivir resistance among pandemic and seasonal influenza A (H1N1) viruses by an His275Tyr genotyping assay using the cycling probe method

Neuraminidase inhibitors are agents used against influenza viruses; however, the emergence of drug-resistant strains is a major concern. Recently, the prevalence of oseltamivir-resistant seasonal influenza A (H1N1) virus increased globally and the emergence of oseltamivir-resistant pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 viruses was reported. In this study, we developed a cycling probe real-time PCR method for the detection of oseltamivir-resistant seasonal influenza A (H1N1) and pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 viruses. We designed two sets of primers and probes that were labeled with 6-carboxyfluorescein or 6-carboxy-X-rhodamine to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that correspond to a histidine and a tyrosine at position 275 in the neuraminidase protein, respectively. These SNPs confer susceptibility and resistance to oseltamivir, respectively. In the 2007-2008 season, the prevalence of oseltamivir-resistant H1N1 viruses was 0% (0/72), but in the 2008-2009 season, it increased to 100% (282/282). In the 2009-2010 season, all of the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 viruses were susceptible to oseltamivir (0/73, 0%). This method is sensitive and specific for the screening of oseltamivir-resistant influenza A (H1N1) viruses. This method is applicable to routine laboratory-based monitoring of drug resistance and patient management during antiviral therapy.     

Emergence of H274Y oseltamivir-resistant A(H1N1) influenza viruses in Japan during the 2008–2009 season

BackgroundA substantial increase in oseltamivir-resistant A(H1N1) influenza viruses was reported in Europe in late 2007.ObjectivesTo monitor the antiviral susceptibility profile of human A(H1N1) influenza viruses in Japan during the 2007–2008 and 2008–2009 seasons.Study designViruses were obtained from respiratory samples of patients with influenza collected in Japan between December 2007 and April 2008 (n = 1046) and between December 2008 and April 2009 (n = 1789). Oseltamivir resistance was determined by an H274Y-specific real-time PCR cycling probe assay and a neuraminidase inhibition assay. Amantadine resistance was assessed by sequencing the M2 gene. Sequencing of the hemagglutinin and NA genes was performed to infer phylogenetic relationships between different strains.ResultsThree of 687 (0.4%) A(H1N1) viruses from the 2007–2008 season and 745 of 745 (100%) viruses from the 2008–2009 season carried the NA–H274Y substitution and demonstrated a >300-fold reduction in oseltamivir susceptibility. All oseltamivir-resistant viruses from the 2008–2009 season possessed an A193T substitution in the receptor-binding domain of the hemagglutinin. Amantadine resistance was detected in 431 of 687 (62.7%) and 0 of 745 (0.0%) of the A(H1N1) viruses from the 2007–2008 and 2008–2009 seasons, respectively.ConclusionsA dramatic surge in oseltamivir-resistant A(H1N1) viruses possessing the NA–H274Y substitution was detected in Japan during the 2008–2009 season. The emergence of oseltamivir-resistant viruses was facilitated by mutations in the viral genome. Intensified surveillance, including phenotypic assays and sequencing of the hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, and M2 gene would allow monitoring of the spread and evolution of drug-resistant influenza virus variants.     

2009H1N1流感病毒神经氨酸酶基因克隆与表达

目的制备2009H1N1流感病毒神经氨酸酶（NA）重组蛋白,为建立H1N1快速检测方法和神经氨酸酶抑制剂筛选模型奠定基础。方法采用MDCK细胞方法分离2009H1N1流感病毒,提取病毒RNA,RT-PCR生成NA基因,构建原核表达载体PET-102/D-TOPO-NA,IPTG诱导表达重组蛋白,SDS-PAGE凝胶电泳、WersternBlotting鉴定重组蛋白。结果成功分离2009H1N1流感病毒,NA蛋白119、152、275、292位氨基酸分别为Glu、Arg、His和Cys。SDS-PAGE凝胶电泳蛋白分子相对分子质量约为64000,与预期一致。WesternBlotting证实该蛋白具有神经氨酸酶抗原活性。结论 IPTG诱导原核表达神经氨酸蛋白的最适浓度为0.1mmol/L。实验得到的蛋白尚需进一步纯化。     

Protection against a lethal H5N1 influenza challenge by intranasal immunization with virus-like particles containing 2009 pandemic H1N1 neuraminidase in mice

Highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza shares the same neuraminidase (NA) subtype with the 2009 pandemic (H1N1pdm09), and cross-reactive NA immunity might protect against or mitigate lethal H5N1 infection. In this study, mice were either infected with a sublethal dose of H1N1pdm09 or were vaccinated and boosted with virus-like particles (VLP) consisting of the NA and matrix proteins, standardized by NA activity and administered intranasally, and were then challenged with a lethal dose of HPAI H5N1 virus. Mice previously infected with H1N1pdm09 survived H5N1 challenge with no detectable virus or respiratory tract pathology on day 4. Mice immunized with H5N1 or H1N1pdm09 NA VLPs were also fully protected from death, with a 100-fold and 10-fold reduction in infectious virus, respectively, and reduced pathology in the lungs. Human influenza vaccines that elicit not only HA, but also NA immunity may provide enhanced protection against the emergence of seasonal and pandemic viruses.