Antigenic Patterns and Evolution of the Human Influenza A (H1N1) Virus

Sci Rep. 2015 Sep 28:5:14171. doi: 10.1038/srep14171.

Abstract

The influenza A (H1N1) virus causes seasonal epidemics that result in severe illnesses and deaths almost every year. A deep understanding of the antigenic patterns and evolution of human influenza A (H1N1) virus is extremely important for its effective surveillance and prevention. Through development of antigenicity inference method for human influenza A (H1N1), named PREDAC-H1, we systematically mapped the antigenic patterns and evolution of the human influenza A (H1N1) virus. Eight dominant antigenic clusters have been inferred for seasonal H1N1 viruses since 1977, which demonstrated sequential replacements over time with a similar pattern in Asia, Europe and North America. Among them, six clusters emerged first in Asia. As for China, three of the eight antigenic clusters were detected in South China earlier than in North China, indicating the leading role of South China in H1N1 transmission. The comprehensive view of the antigenic evolution of human influenza A (H1N1) virus can help formulate better strategy for its prevention and control.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Viral / genetics*
  • Antigens, Viral / immunology*
  • China / epidemiology
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus / genetics
  • Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus / immunology
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / genetics*
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / immunology*
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology
  • Influenza, Human / history
  • Influenza, Human / immunology*
  • Influenza, Human / virology*
  • Markov Chains
  • Models, Statistical

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral
  • Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus