PB2 Changes in Multiple Japanese Sequences downstream of known Virulence Factor

Japanese PB2 sequences deposited today at GenBank carry novel introductions to ΣPF11 and to human H1N1.  A concern comes into play when the PF11 PB2 segment, of avian origin, acquires genetic material from human-fit Seasonal Influenza.

A/Niigata/690, sampled 2009-06-15, carries 702R, unique to ΣPF11 and found previously in 1918, LabVir PuertoRico8, Seasonal H1N1 and Seasonal H3N2.

A/Hiroshima/220, sampled 2009-07-03, carries 704H, unique to ΣPF11, to human H1N1 and to human H3N2.  Progenitor unknown.

These two PB2 polymorphisms are adjacent to a known Virulence Factor.  Note that the 701N discussed in the Palese study is found on Seasonal H1N1, Seasonal H3N2 and on human H5N1.  Apparently H3N2 may be playing a significant role as a recombination donor to PF11.

As you will see from the following listing, PB2 is active at this area in ΣPF11.

698D - California06
700K - Osaka180 TamiFlu Resistant with NA Pairing of 106I and 248N
701N - Shanghai71T_May with 627K
702T - NJ02
702R - Niigata690
703X - WA29 TamiFlu Resistant
703K - Shanghai71T_May with 627K, Shanghai71T_June
704H - Hiroshima220
714R - Hyogo2
720K - Nebraska02

The previously published segment 4 (HA) of Hiroshima220 shows 130E in a domain that may yield antigenic diversity.  Notice that another human Virulence Factor 225G from the HA RBD has been demonstrated in the locale of Hiroshima.

Further analysis will be conducted as time permits.

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