Population Diversity and Collective Interactions during Influenza Virus Infection

J Virol. 2017 Oct 27;91(22):e01164-17. doi: 10.1128/JVI.01164-17. Print 2017 Nov 15.

Abstract

Influenza A virus (IAV) continues to pose an enormous and unpredictable global public health threat, largely due to the continual evolution of escape from preexisting immunity and the potential for zoonotic emergence. Understanding how the unique genetic makeup and structure of IAV populations influences their transmission and evolution is essential for developing more-effective vaccines, therapeutics, and surveillance capabilities. Owing to their mutation-prone replicase and unique genome organization, IAV populations exhibit enormous amounts of diversity both in terms of sequence and functional gene content. Here, I review what is currently known about the genetic and genomic diversity present within IAV populations and how this diversity may shape the replicative and evolutionary dynamics of these viruses.

Keywords: RNA virus; diversity; evolution; genome organization; influenza; population biology.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Genetic Variation*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Herd*
  • Influenza A virus* / genetics
  • Influenza A virus* / immunology
  • Influenza Vaccines* / genetics
  • Influenza Vaccines* / immunology
  • Influenza Vaccines* / therapeutic use
  • Influenza, Human* / genetics
  • Influenza, Human* / immunology
  • Influenza, Human* / prevention & control

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines