Mineralized State of the Avian Influenza Virus in the Environment. Issue 42 (18th August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhou, Hangyu; Wang, Guangchuan; Wang, Xiaoyu; Song, Zhiyong; Tang, Ruikang
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie international edition. Volume 56:Issue 42(2017)
• Page Start: 12908
• Page End: 12912
• Publication Date: 2017-08-18
• Subjects: avian influenza -- biomineralization -- calcium phosphate -- intestinal fluid -- viruses; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.201705769
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1433-7851

Abstract

Abstract: Although the circulation of avian influenza viruses in humans is limited, they can be transmitted from Aves (birds) to humans, representing a great challenge. Herein, we suggest that influenza viruses from Aves might exist in a mineralized state owing to the high calcium concentrations in the avian intestine. Using two typical influenza viruses as examples, we demonstrate that these viruses can self‐mineralize in simulated avian intestinal fluid, resulting in egg‐like virus–mineral structured composites. The mineralized viruses are more robust, with enhanced infectivity and thermostability. More importantly, the mineral exterior of mineralized viruses can alter their cell internalization, expanding the possible tropisms. The discovery of a mineralized state of influenza viruses highlights the integration of nanomaterials and viruses in the environment, which provides a new understanding of avian influenza infection and its control. Abstract : Bird flu gut check : Clarifying how avian influenza virus breaks through the species barrier to cause human infections is of particular importance. By focusing on the viruses in the environment, it is revealed that the viruses in Aves might be in a mineralized state. The mineralized virus enters host cells through a receptor‐independent pathway, which could explain how avian influenza can infect humans directly.