Computational analysis of the receptor binding specificity of novel influenza A/H7N9 viruses

摘要

BackgroundInfluenza viruses are undergoing continuous and rapid evolution. The fatal influenza A/H7N9 has drawn attention since the first wave of infections in March 2013, and raised more grave concerns with its increased potential to spread among humans. Experimental studies have revealed several host and virulence markers, indicating differential host binding preferences which can help estimate the potential of causing a pandemic. Here we systematically investigate the sequence pattern and structural characteristics of novel influenza A/H7N9 using computational approaches.