Structural Analysis of the Evolutionary Origins of Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin and Other Viral Lectins

• DOI: 10.1128/jvi.03476-12
• Publication Date: 2013-01-31T05:06:58Z
• Authors: Lang Chen; Fang Li
• Keywords: Galectin; Viral evolution; Viral protein

Influenza virus and other viruses use host cell surface sugars as receptors. Here we show that the sugar-binding domains in influenza hemagglutinin viral lectins share same structural fold human galectins (host lectins). Unlike easily accessible sites galectins, are hidden cavities. We propose these originated from but have evolved to evade immune attacks.