Impact of host immunity in the mammalian adaptation of an H3N6 avian influenza virus

摘要

Purpose: To date, only influenza viruses of the H1, H2 and H3 subtypes have been responsible of human pandemics. We speculate that a pre-existing immunity in the human population against the H1 and H3 subtypes may play a key role in the emergence of human-adapted viruses with pandemic potential. To test this hypothesis, we used deep sequencing to explore the within-host genetic diversity and evolution of an H3N6 avian influenza virus (AIV) in ferrets with or without a pre-existing immunity against a seasonal H3N2 influenza virus.