SCIENCE AT A GLANCE

Evolution of human H3N2 influenza virus

Receptor specificity has substantially expanded the receptor-binding domain site

Hemagglutinins (HAs) from human influenza viruses adapt to glycans on human airway cells to transmit within the human population. Glycan microarrays comprising various N- and O-linked glycans and glycolipids provide insights into the receptor-binding specificities of H3N2 viruses isolated from 1968 to 2021. This study highlights continuous adaptation of H3N2 viruses to preferentially bind to extended glycan receptors, particularly those with linear sialosides extended with multiple LacNAc repeats. It contributes to our understanding of viral adaptation and the implications for vaccine development and public health strategies.

Original publication : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2024.01.003

#H3N2influenzavirus #Vaccinedevelopment #Glycanmicroarray #Microarrayscanner