Importance of 1918 virus reconstruction to current assessments of pandemic risk.

Importance of 1918 virus reconstruction to current assessments of pandemic risk. Virology. 2018 Aug 21;524:45-55 Authors: Belser JA, Maines TR, Tumpey TM Abstract Reconstruction of the 1918 influenza virus has facilitated considerable advancements in our understanding of this extraordinary pandemic virus. However, the benefits of virus reconstruction are not limited to this one strain. Here, we provide an overview of laboratory studies which have evaluated the reconstructed 1918 virus, and highlight key discoveries about determinants of virulence and transmissibility associated with this virus in mammals. We further discuss recent and current pandemic threats from avian and swine reservoirs, and provide specific examples of how reconstruction of the 1918 pandemic virus has improved our ability to contextualize research employing novel and emerging strains. As influenza viruses continue to evolve and pose a threat to human health, studying past pandemic viruses is key to future preparedness efforts. PMID: 30142572 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Virology - Category: Virology Authors: Tags: Virology Source Type: research