Genetic Determinants of Filamentous Influenza Virion Production
Conference Year
2024
Abstract
Influenza A (IAV), a segmented, negative strand RNA virus, causes seasonal epidemics that result in around 3-5 million severe cases each year, in addition to periodic pandemics that result from the emergence of novel IAV strains. When isolated from a mammalian host, influenza virions are seen as a mixture of spherical and much longer filamentous particles. However, when isolated and passaged in tissue culture or eggs, most strains quickly lose their filamentous nature. We hypothesize that filament formation is an evolutionary ‘bet-hedging’ measure in which filaments help a virus overcome challenging infection conditions such as the presence of mucus, neutralizing antibodies, antiviral drugs, and adaption to a new species. In this study, we investigated the genetic determinants of influenza filament formation, specifically looking at genetic changes that correlate with the loss of filamentous virion production. Primary viral isolates from clinical specimens were isolated and passaged in Madine Darby canine kidney cells. Viruses were characterized by whole genome sequencing and electron microscopy both before and after serial passage to elucidate the residues that determine particle shape and tissue culture adaptation.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Emily Bruce
Graduate Student Mentors
Hannah Despres
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Second Student College
Patrick Leahy Honors College
Program/Major
Molecular Genetics
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Genetic Determinants of Filamentous Influenza Virion Production
Influenza A (IAV), a segmented, negative strand RNA virus, causes seasonal epidemics that result in around 3-5 million severe cases each year, in addition to periodic pandemics that result from the emergence of novel IAV strains. When isolated from a mammalian host, influenza virions are seen as a mixture of spherical and much longer filamentous particles. However, when isolated and passaged in tissue culture or eggs, most strains quickly lose their filamentous nature. We hypothesize that filament formation is an evolutionary ‘bet-hedging’ measure in which filaments help a virus overcome challenging infection conditions such as the presence of mucus, neutralizing antibodies, antiviral drugs, and adaption to a new species. In this study, we investigated the genetic determinants of influenza filament formation, specifically looking at genetic changes that correlate with the loss of filamentous virion production. Primary viral isolates from clinical specimens were isolated and passaged in Madine Darby canine kidney cells. Viruses were characterized by whole genome sequencing and electron microscopy both before and after serial passage to elucidate the residues that determine particle shape and tissue culture adaptation.