The scientists have, in the past, expressed grave concern over the possibilities of Avian flu outbreaks leading to epidemics. Researches are conducted to determine the cause for this virus getting transferred from birds to humans. Many theories are proposed in this direction; with the latest theory falsifying the previous ones.
Flu viruses come in many strains. Of these, the H5 strain of virus is known to be found only in birds. However, those affected by the Avian flu showed the virus H5N1, a modified form of the H5 virus. This virus, when found in humans, is said to have very high fatality rates. It is known that a virus can attack and infect any individual only when it attaches itself to the receptor cells of the body. It is recently, a team of MIT researchers have come up with spotting a difference between flu viruses, which infect birds and humans.
But previously, is was found to be only possible when the hemagglutinin, a protein found on the surface of the virus, can bind itself to the glycan found on the receptors of the respiratory tract. The receptors found in the respiratory tract of humans are classified as alpha 2-6 whereas those found in the respiratory tracts of birds are classified as alpha 2-3.
Since, the virus could attach itself to the receptors of birds, it was becoming incomprehensible for the scientists as to how could the same virus attach itself to two different receptors. As an answer to this, they concluded that the virus might be mutating itself according to the receptor thus affecting both birds and humans. However, in stark contrast was a study by Sasisekharan, which says that the virus has the ability to attach itself to a particular shape, of particular alpha 2-6 glycan receptor. It determines whether or not it can affect humans.
These receptors come in two shapes of umbrella and cones and the avian virus is suspected to link itself to the umbrella-shaped ones. This research will largely help in further developments and studies related to Avian flu. According to Proffessor Ram Sasisekharan,
Now that we know what to look for, this could help us not only monitor the bird flu virus, but it can aid in the development of potentially improved therapeutic interventions for both avian and seasonal flu.
Via: Sciencedaily
