HOME >> BIOLOGY >> NEWS
Researchers model evolution of influenza virus

As health agencies around the world race to pinpoint the cause of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), researchers are reporting success in developing a new theoretical model that shows how the pressure exerted by the immune response of an infected population can drive evolution of influenza virus.

The model does not aim to predict the emergence of new strains of influenza, but it does suggest that a short-lived general immunity to the virus might affect the virus's evolution. If immunologists can understand the basis of such a response by influenza virus, then vaccine designers might use that understanding to develop a vaccine that offers more general immunity to the virus, said the scientists.

The researchers -- led by Howard Hughes Medical Institute international research scholar Neil M. Ferguson at Imperial College London -- published an article outlining their model in the March 27, 2003, issue of the journal Nature. Co-authors are Alison Galvani from the University of California, Berkeley, and Robin Bush from the University of California, Irvine.

"The principal question we were trying to address with this model is what biological factors determine the particular patterns we see in influenza evolution," said Ferguson. "We wanted to understand the role of immunity in determining the competition between different flu strains."

Strains of flu virus differ from one another largely in the genes that code for surface molecules called glycoproteins, which are the primary targets of the body's immune system in defending against flu viruses, said Ferguson. Evolutionary changes in immune response against such "antigen" molecules are the reason that new vaccines must be developed against emerging strains of virus.

A central mystery, said Ferguson, was why only a few new flu strains emerge over time, replacing other strains that go extinct. Limitations
'"/>

Contact: Jim Keeley
keeleyj@hhmi.org
301-215-8858
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
26-Mar-2003


Page: 1 2 3 4

Related biology news :

1. Researchers determine genetic cause of Timothy syndrome
2. Researchers find color sensitive atomic switch in bacteria
3. Researchers identify protein promoting vascular tumor growth
4. Researchers devise potent new tools to curb ivory poaching
5. Researchers create nanotubes that change colors, form nanocarpet and kill bacteria
6. Researchers ID chlorophyll-regulating gene
7. Researchers develop fast track way to discover how cells are regulated
8. Researchers identify distinctive signature for metastatic prostate cancer
9. Researchers report new gene test for isolated cleft lip and palate
10. Researchers discover why mutant gene causes colon cancer
11. Researchers identify the genomes controlling elements

Post Your Comments:
*Name:
*Comment:
*Email:
TAG: Researchers model evolution influenza virus

(Date:5/22/2013)... May 22, 2013. Plastic additives known as phthalates ... everywhere: They turn up in flooring, plastic cups, ... the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionthe bodies ... have come under increasing scrutiny. A growing collection ... can leech from packaging and mix with food) ...
(Date:5/21/2013)... concept of "place" is increasingly being considered in ... have a new resource that can help them ... with the places in their lives. , ... new book co-edited by the Pacific Northwest Research ... human-centered approach to conservation. The book is published ...
(Date:5/21/2013)... USC have found that a class of pharmaceuticals can ... , The drugs, known as "TSPO ligands," are currently ... at the effects of TSPO ligand in young adult ... in aged mice when pathology was quite severe," said ... of Gerontology. "TSPO ligand reduced measures of pathology and ...
Breaking Biology News(10 mins):Study links chemicals widely found in plastics and processed food to elevated blood pressure in children and teens 2Drugs found to both prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease in mice 2
(Date:5/23/2013)... 23, 2013 Can economic incentives such ... motivate members of the public to increase their donations ... Johns Hopkins Carey Business School Assistant Professor Mario ... to a large body of recent research that supports ... 24, 2013, issue of Science that the World Health ...
(Date:5/23/2013)... May 23, 2013 The maker community ... types of inventions. They focus on learning practical skills ... community gravitate toward bringing their ideas to life via ... Movement, works on making projects using biology. Glowing Plant ... plants to make them glow with bioluminescence genes, and ...
(Date:5/23/2013)... EXTON, Pa. , May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ ... leading research and advisory firms for specialized biopharmaceutical ... gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and infectious disease specialists reported that ... warehousing patients (e.g., intentionally delaying treatment) in anticipation ... physicians than six months ago, when only 6 ...
(Date:5/23/2013)... 2013 Pressure BioSciences, Inc. (OTCQB: PBIO) ("PBI" ... host a teleconference to discuss its First Quarter 2013 ... teleconference information is provided below: Date: Thursday, ... (EDT) Dial-in: (800) 875-3456 (U.S.); (800) 648-0973 ... VS22823 For those unable to participate in ...
Breaking Biology Technology:Offering Economic Incentives to Attract Blood Donations Should Be Encouraged, Research Team writes in Science 2Offering Economic Incentives to Attract Blood Donations Should Be Encouraged, Research Team writes in Science 3Glowing Plant Releases Maker Kit, Enabling Anyone to Make a Glowing Plant at Home 2The Majority of Physicians that Treat Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Have Begun "Warehousing" and Preparing Their HCV Patients for the Next Generation of HCV Treatments 2The Majority of Physicians that Treat Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Have Begun "Warehousing" and Preparing Their HCV Patients for the Next Generation of HCV Treatments 3Pressure BioSciences, Inc. to Discuss First Quarter 2013 Financial Results and Provide Business Update 2
Cached News: