Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

December 05, 2024

06/12/2024

Scripps Research scientists identify mutation that could facilitate H5N1 bird flu virus infection and potential transmission in humans New findings underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance for H5N1 mutations that pose risks to public health.

December 05, 2024

LA JOLLA, CA Avian influenza viruses typically require several mutations to adapt and spread among humans, but what happens when just one change can increase the risk of becoming a pandemic virus? A recent study led by scientists at Scripps Research reveals that a single mutation in the H5N1 bird flu virus that has recently infected dairy cows in the U.S. could enhance the virus' ability to attach to human cells, potentially increasing the risk of passing from person to person. The findings published in Science on December 5, 2024 highlight the need to monitor H5N1's evolution.

Currently, there are no documented cases of H5N1 transmitting between people: bird flu cases in humans have been linked to close contact with contaminated environments as well as infected birds (including poultry), dairy cows and other animals. However, public health officials are concerned about the potential for the virus to evolve to transmit efficiently between humans, which could lead to a new, potentially deadly pandemic.

The flu virus attaches to its host via a protein called hemagglutinin that binds to glycan receptors on the surfaces of host cells. Glycans are chains of sugar molecules on cell surface proteins that can act as binding sites for some viruses. Avian (bird) influenza viruses like H5N1 primarily infect hosts with sialic acid-containing glycan receptors found in birds (avian-type receptors). While the viruses rarely adapt to humans, if they evolve to recognize sialylated glycan receptors found in people (human-type receptors), they could gain the ability to infect and possibly transmit between humans.

Monitoring changes in receptor specificity (the way a virus recognizes host cells) is crucial because receptor binding is a key step toward transmissibility, says Ian Wilson, DPhil, co-senior author and the Hansen Professor of Structural Biology at Scripps Research. That being said, receptor mutations alone don't guarantee that the virus will transmit between humans.

Past cases in which avian viruses adapted to infect and transmit between people required multiple mutations, usually at least three. But for the H5N1 2.3.4.4b strain (A/Texas/37/2024) isolated from the first human infection with a bovine H5N1 virus in the United States, researchers found that just a single amino acid mutation in the hemagglutinin could switch specificity to binding human-type receptors. Here, bovine refers to the species for dairy cows that were the immediate source of the virus for the human infection. Importantly, the mutation wasn't introduced into the whole virus only the hemagglutinin protein to study its receptor-binding properties.

For their study, the research team introduced several mutations into the H5N1 2.3.4.4b hemagglutinin protein that had been involved in receptor specificity changes in previous avian viruses. These mutations were selected to mimic genetic changes that could occur naturally. When the team assessed the impact of one of these mutations, Q226L, on the virus' ability to bind to human-type receptors, they found that that mutation significantly improved how the virus attached to glycan receptors, which represent those found in human cells.

The findings demonstrate how easily this virus could evolve to recognize human-type receptors, says first author Ting-Hui Lin, a postdoctoral associate at Scripps Research. However, our study doesn't suggest that such evolution has occurred or that the current H5N1 virus with only this mutation would be transmissible between humans.

Instead, the research team focused on understanding how natural mutations, like Q226L, could arise and what their impact might be. To investigate the potential mutations that could enable the H5N1 2.3.4.4b hemagglutinin to attach to human receptors, the team used advanced binding assays in collaboration with the lab of co-senior author James Paulson, PhD, the Cecil H. and Ida M. Green Chair of Chemistry at Scripps Research. These assays, which are tests to mimic how well a virus attaches to a cell, allowed the researchers to precisely track how the altered H5N1 hemagglutinin interacted with human-type receptors.

Our experiments revealed that the Q226L mutation could significantly increase the virus' ability to target and attach to human-type receptors, explains Paulson. This mutation gives the virus a foothold on human cells that it didn't have before, which is why this finding is a red flag for possible adaptation to people.

The shift alone, however, may not be enough to enable human-to-human transmission. Other genetic changes such as mutations in polymerase basic 2 (E627K) that enhance viral replication and stability in human cells would likely be necessary for the virus to spread efficiently among people.

Nevertheless, given the rising number of H5N1 human cases stemming from direct contact with infected animals, the findings highlight the need for proactive surveillance of evolution in H5N1 and similar avian flu strains. While there's no immediate cause for alarm, the researchers stress that even a single mutation that changes how H5N1 binds to human cells shouldn't be overlooked.

Continuing to track genetic changes as they happen will give us an edge in preparing for signs of increased transmissibility, adds Wilson. This type of research helps us understand what mutations to watch for and how to respond appropriately.

In addition to Lin, Paulson and Wilson, authors of the study, A Single Mutation in Bovine Influenza H5N1 Hemagglutinin Switches Specificity to Human Receptors, include X
LINK: https://www.scripps.edu/news-and-events/press-room/2024/20241205-wilso...
See more stories from scripps

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

07/10/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Media Operations from Ingest to Distribution

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...

06/09/2026

Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Germany with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos

June 9 2026, 23:00 (PDT) Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA Worl...

18/08/2026

Corridor Television Pays $27,000 for Violating FCCs EAS Rules

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

18/08/2026

Disney's ABC Files First Amendment Lawsuit Against the FCC

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

18/08/2026

Lightware Integrates with SpectralBot to Accelerate AV Tr...

Lightware announces an integration with SpectralBot that helps system integrators and AV operators troubleshoot faster using augmented reality (AR), AI-assisted...

18/08/2026

Command Frame for After Effects

Command Frame for After Effects Scott Black August 18, 2026 0 Comments Free download, demonstrations, hands-on tests, and creator resources Want to t...

18/08/2026

Dot Group to show how cutting carbon cuts cost - live at...

At Stand 14.A57, the data company will demonstrate GreenDot and IBM Aspera together, giving media and entertainment businesses real-time visibility of what thei...

18/08/2026

Blue Lucy launches Connected Value Audit

New tool provides a robust audit of operational workflows, calculating the tangible value each delivers today, and informing business decisions for tomorrow. W...

18/08/2026

Media Utilities transitions to Media Utilities - a DigiNe...

Media Utilities is integrating its activities into DigiNet and will maintain a recognisable presence in the market under the name: Media Utilities, a DigiNet br...

18/08/2026

Appear demonstrates broadcast-grade REMI production over...

Proof of Concept validates reliable multi-camera live production from remote racecourses without fixed network infrastructure Appear ASA (Appear, OSE:APR), a g...

18/08/2026

Stingr brings frictionless second-screen interaction to I...

Stingr, a new venture from the founders of Hornets Tech, is bringing its second-screen interaction platform to IBC2026. The second screen has never really wor...

18/08/2026

Hiltron to Promote its Latest Generation Satellite Commun...

Long-established satellite equipment manufacturer and systems integrator Hiltron Communications will promote its new HACUX-IDU2 antenna control unit touchscreen...

18/08/2026

EMAM, PlayBox Neo and SNEWS Launch Combined Nuvex System

EMAM, PlayBox Neo and SNEWS Launch Combined Nuvex System Brie Clayton August 17, 2026 0 Comments Integrated platform melds media asset management, pla...

18/08/2026

The United Stand Scales Live Fan Show with Blackmagic Design Workflow

The United Stand Scales Live Fan Show with Blackmagic Design Workflow Brie Clayton August 17, 2026 0 Comments ATEM Constellation 8K and HyperDeck Stud...

18/08/2026

Twin Cities PBS to Become Minnesota PBS

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

18/08/2026

MPA, ByteDance Reach AI Copyright Protection Deal

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

18/08/2026

DirecTV to Launch Curated Multiview for Live Sports

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

18/08/2026

Sinclair Taps Carol Kellum to Head Nebraska Stations

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

18/08/2026

Corridor Television Pays $27,000 for Violations of FCCs EAS Rules

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

18/08/2026

Triveni Digital Accelerates TV 3 0 Transition in Brazil W...

Triveni Digital Now Offers a Joint Solution With MediaKind and a Lab System Bundle Supporting ISDB-Tb and TV 3.0 Broadcast Services Triveni Digital, a trusted ...

18/08/2026

BeckTV Debuts BeckFlow at IBC and Showcases Expertise for...

At IBC2026, BeckTV, a premier systems integrator for the broadcast industry, will introduce BeckFlow to the European market. BeckFlow is the first web-based sch...

18/08/2026

PTZOptics Launches Rise 4K Bringing Ultra HD Quality and...

New flagship PTZ camera combines cinematic 4K imaging, professional broadcast connectivity and the complete Horizon intelligent video experience for productions...

18/08/2026

VisualOn IBC Show Preview - AI-Powered CAE Advanced Playb...

At IBC2026, VisualOn will demonstrate how video service providers can slash bandwidth costs, maximize ad revenue, and deploy premium interactive features withou...

18/08/2026

Paying It Forward: Greg Tabor on Giving Back to the Next Generation

The relationships built during graduate school often continue to shape careers long after a degree is earned, creating a community of scientists who learn from ...

18/08/2026

Apple announces changes for apps in the European Union - UPDATE - Posted on 18 August 2026

Apple today announced changes to its business terms for apps in the European Uni...

18/08/2026

RT TO AIR NEW DOCUMENTARY THAT LIFTS THE LID ON THE HEALY RAE DYNASTY

THE HEALY RAES: BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS AIRS WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19 ON RT ONE AT 9:35PM A new documentary The Healy-Raes: Blood, Sweat & Tears airs on RT One and ...

18/08/2026

Stunning Irish performances at European Athletics and Swimming Championships reach almost 1.7 million viewers

Stunning Irish performances at European Athletics and Swimming Championships rea...

18/08/2026

An Irish Atlantic Rainforest: The Story of a West Cork Rainforest on the edges of the Beara Peninsula

The two-part series begins Sunday 23 August at 6.30pm on RT One and RT Player ...

17/08/2026

Thank You Mr. Brown: Documentary on Steadicam, Skycam Inventor Garrett Brown Is in the Works

Producer William Forbes and director Andrew Schwartz detail the decade-long effo...

17/08/2026

SHIK open S32 pre-orders

New MIDI processor & macro controller revealed SHIK have announced that they have opened pre-orders for the S32, a standalone MIDI processor and macro contr...

17/08/2026

Melbourne Instruments introduce 10-year motor warranty

Cover extended on innovative motorised pot system Melbourne Instruments have just revealed that the innovative motorised pot system used in their synths and...

17/08/2026

1010music update the Bluebox

Latest firmware version now available 1010music have just released a free firmware update that brings some nice new features to their renowned Bluebox digit...

17/08/2026

Rohde & Schwarz showcases integrated defense and test solutions at DALO Industry Days 2026

Rohde & Schwarz showcases integrated defense and test solutions at DALO Industry...

17/08/2026

Calrec Integrates ImPulseV with NEP Platform

Calrec's ImPulseV Virtualised Audio Mixing Engine joins NEP Platform, the industry's largest ecosystem of trusted production software, bringing scalable...

17/08/2026

PTZOptics To Unveil Rise 4K Broadcast PTZ Camera At IBC 2026

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

17/08/2026

Calrec Integrates ImPulseV With NEP Platform

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

17/08/2026

Calrec Integrates ImPulseV with NEP Platform Advancing Sc...

Continuing its virtualisation strategy, Calrec has integrated its ImPulseV virtualised DSP software with NEP Platform, bringing its scalable audio processing ca...

17/08/2026

Mediaproxy debuts AI-powered monitoring - browser based m...

Mediaproxy, the global standard for software-based IP compliance monitoring and multiviewing solutions, will highlight major innovations in compliance monitorin...

17/08/2026

FilmLight Showcases Workflow Automation, Advanced Media Collaboration, and Baselight v8 Preview at IBC 2026

Visitors to IBC 2026 will see how FilmLight is reshaping the modern post pipelin...

17/08/2026

Arqiva x IBC 2026 - Simplify Complexity and Unlock Greater Value

Visitors to Stand 1.C41 can explore innovations in areas such as addressable advertising, hybrid distribution, managed services and operational simplification. ...

16/08/2026

Gospel Musicians release Gospel Drums

Virtual drummer joins line-up The latest release from Gospel Musicians adds a virtual drummer to the company's line-up, combining a pair of meticulously...

15/08/2026

JH Audio expand Universal-Fit range

In-ear monitoring line-up gains new universal models In-ear monitoring experts JH Audio have just announced a significant expansion of their Universal-Fit r...

15/08/2026

Press Release: NFVF Releases PESP6 Project 1, Stream1: Group 2, Stream 2 and Stream 3 Funding Approvals

14 August 2026 | Johannesburg - The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), a...

15/08/2026

FCC Broadband Report Shows Rapid Expansion of High-Speed Internet

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

15/08/2026

Adte and Haystack News Partner on CTV Ads in Runup to Midterms

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

15/08/2026

IBC 2026: Dalet to Demo AI-Orchestrated Live Sports Workflows

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

15/08/2026

Add rounded corners to mask in After Effects

Add rounded corners to mask in After Effects Graham Quince August 14, 2026 0 Comments Ever wished you could smoothly round the corners of a Mask Path ...

15/08/2026

Director Go Riju's Rhapsody Rhapsody Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 6K

Director Go Riju's Rhapsody Rhapsody Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 6K Brie Clayton August 14, 2026 0 Comments Anamorphic cinematography and color gradi...

14/08/2026

AT&T Returns as Sponsor of Fifth-Annual DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit

AT&T returns as a sponsor of the DirtFish Women in Motorsport (WiM) Summit, which marks its fifth year Aug. 21-22 in Snoqualmie, WA. This year's event will ...