Amino acid sequence changes in the haemagglutinin of A/Hong Kong (H3N2) influenza virus during the period 1968--77

Nature. 1980 Jan 31;283(5746):454-7. doi: 10.1038/283454a0.

Abstract

Haemagglutinin molecules from nine strains of A/Hong Kong/68 (H3N2) influenza virus, isolated between 1968 and 1977, were examined for changes in amino acid sequences. At least 18 changes, 9 of which were located precisely, occurred in the soluble tryptic peptides of the large haemagglutinin polypeptide (HA1) during this period. These peptides contained 262 residues (82% of HA1). In HA2, only two changes in 129 residues (58% of HA2) were detected. Sequential changes at a particular locus were not found; and as far as we can tell, once an amino acid changed, it did not change again in any subsequent variant examined.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antibody Formation
  • Antibody Specificity
  • Codon
  • Epitopes
  • Hemagglutinins, Viral / genetics*
  • Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype*
  • Influenza A virus / genetics
  • Influenza A virus / immunology*
  • Mutation
  • Selection, Genetic
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Codon
  • Epitopes
  • Hemagglutinins, Viral