Mutations in the hemagglutinin receptor-binding site can change the biological properties of an influenza virus.
Avian influenza virus reassortants containing human influenza virus hemagglutinins do not replicate in ducks. Two mutations in the receptor-binding site of a human hemagglutinin at residues 226 and 228 allowed replication in ducks. The mutations resulted in a receptor-binding-site sequence identical to the known avian influenza virus sequences.
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D004261:DNA Replication; D004372:Ducks; D005814:Genes, Viral; D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D009154:Mutation; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000235:genetics*; D013045:Species Specificity; D014779:Virus Replication
D011971:Receptors, Immunologic