Scientists reveal the molecular mechanisms that affect the pathogenicity and spread of influenza viruses

The replication ability and pathogenicity of SUMO modified mutant virus in mice are significantly reduced.

The co-first author of the thesis, Dr.

The study found that the PB1 protein of different subtypes of influenza viruses can undergo SUMO modification, and the K612 amino acid located in the C-terminal vRNA binding region of the PB1 protein is the key site for SUMO modification.

In vivo studies in animals have found that compared with wild-type viruses, the replication titre and pathogenicity of the SUMO-modified K612R mutant virus in mice are significantly reduced, and the respiratory droplet transmission ability between ferrets is reduced.

This study found for the first time that the SUMO modification of the K612 site of the PB1 protein plays an important role in the pathogenicity and transmission of influenza viruses.

The research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the National Key Research and Development Program, and the Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province.

Related paper information: org/10.