Researchers are studying mechanisms of human infection by animal viruses. The investigators induce random mutations in the genome of an avian influenza virus that is unable to infect humans but is structurally similar to human influenza A virus. A mutated isolate is found to be able to infect human upper respiratory tract epithelial cells. Alteration in which of the following viral components most likely enabled this novel strain to cause cross-species infection?

Question

Researchers are studying mechanisms of human infection by animal viruses.  The investigators induce random mutations in the genome of an avian influenza virus that is unable to infect humans but is structurally similar to human influenza A virus.  A mutated isolate is found to be able to infect human upper respiratory tract epithelial cells.  Alteration in which of the following viral components most likely enabled this novel strain to cause cross-species infection?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The tissue tropism of viruses is primarily mediated by viral surface glycoproteins that bind to specific host cell receptors.  Mutations to viral surface glycoproteins can alter tissue tropism and cause noninfective viruses to become infectious.

Researchers Are Studying Mechanisms of Human Infection by Animal Viruses