Studies reveal factors in susceptibility to H1N1 infection

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has uncovered that absence of certain proteins enhances vulnerabilities to infection by the H1N1 virus.

Viruses replicate by injecting their own genetic material into other cells.  In order to do so, there has to exist a configuration on the surface of the host cell that would be vulnerable to such invasion.  Research has shown that certain transmembrane proteins can attach to these sites, changing the configuration and thus making virus and potential host non-compatible.  These proteins are related to substances called interferons, which are usually activated for short periods of time after infections are detected in the bloodstream.  (interferons have also been developed that are currently used in cancer treatments).  The substances which are specific to H1N1 are also effective against dengue fever and West Nile virus, and are identified as IFITM 1, 2, and 3.

These discoveries may lead to more research into possible protein therapies as treatment for viral infections, but such research also points to genetic differences which may exist among people who have differing levels of resistance to infection.  The location for this difference has been tentatively identified on chromosome 11.

In addition to genetic differences in resistance to infection, research has uncovered that those who develop more severe symptoms do so as the virus invades deep into lung tissue, in addition to its normal pattern of nasal passage and throat tissue invasion.

Researchers in Brazil believe that most deaths which follow H1N1 infection are caused by underlying conditions such as cancer or heart disease, or by follow-on bacterial lung infections.  This data was compiled from the first group of autopsy results from victims of an outbreak during summer 2009.

Meanwhile, more studies are ongoing about human seasonal H1N1 and pandemic H1N1 infections.  It appears that persons who were exposed to the 1918 pandemic retain antibodies which are protective against the current strains.


































Howard Hughes Medical Institute (2009, December 18). Human protein helps prevent infection by H1N1 influenza and other viruses.  ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 29, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091217122528.htm


American Thoracic Society (2009, December 24). Researchers find new patterns in H1N1 deaths. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 29, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091223074653.htm










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