Avian influenza virus, a very sticky situation.
The appearance of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 highlighted the potential impact of influenza virus on humanity. The emergence of this high profile virus stimulated much research towards a better understanding of the key determinants for successful human-to-human transmission and as such has provided new directions for therapeutic intervention strategies. For example, a phylogenetic-based grouping of influenza virus sialidases into either Group 1 or 2 has been proposed. This has provided new opportunity for the development of Group 1-specific anti-influenza drugs. Furthermore, a number of next generation sialidase inhibitors as anti-influenza drugs have also been developed.
von Itzstein
Mark
M
Institute for Glycomics, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Queensland 4222, Australia. m.vonitzstein@griffith.edu.au
D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds / Q000821:virology*; D050260:Carbohydrate Metabolism; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D053124:Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism; D009439:Neuraminidase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D011200:Poultry / Q000821:virology
D009439:Neuraminidase