The complex structure of the influenza virus, including its ability to change formation quickly, makes it difficult to combat during epidemics. It is an enveloped virus that efficiently “hijacks” healthy cells and has a protective layer that shields its RNA. Understanding this process is crucial for developing new treatments.
The structure of influenza is complicated even for experienced virologists. One of the most unique aspects of the flu is its ability to change its structure or formation in a relatively short amount of time. Studying its structure reveals unique characteristics that make the flu virus one of the most dangerous pathogens on the planet. The characteristics of influenza, including its membrane composition and the efficient way it ‘hijacks’ healthy cells for use as a host, distinguish it from some more common viruses. The complex and ruggedized structure of influenza has made it relatively difficult to combat when an epidemic breaks out within a population.
Scientists believe the structure of the influenza virus is unique in that it is an enveloped virus, or a virus that “steals” its host cell membrane before it replicates. While other viruses exhibit properties similar to this, the influenza virus is very efficient at using this tactic to outrun a healthy cell. Once the virus has filled out its membrane structure, it has a unique assortment of “spikes” or glycoproteins, which attach to sugars called hemagglutene (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). The specific way these sugars are arranged within the influenza structure determines which general strain it is, AB or C.
The flu virus is surprisingly strengthened. Under its lipid membrane is another protective layer. The viral matrix protein, or M1 protein, forms a hard-to-penetrate shell that protects it from potential attackers. This shell protects the most important component of the influenza virus structure, the viral RNA. When a virus attacks a healthy host cell, it injects the genetic instructions contained in its RNA into the healthy cell’s enzyme “factory”. It then uses these enzymes to accomplish its ultimate goal of making replicas of itself.
This replication process continues until stopped by pharmaceuticals or the host’s immune system. The mutated and strengthened structure of the flu can paralyze the immune system because it essentially becomes confused and overloaded. Treating an influenza outbreak with broad-spectrum drugs further damages patients’ immune systems, and the virus can run rampant and wreak havoc within the system. Understanding the “hijacking” step the virus uses to first envelop a virus and gain control over its enzyme synthesis is at the forefront of research into new drugs, immunizations and alternative therapies that will help fight the emerging diseases that contributed to the virus .
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