Mutation and Accessibility Fuel Influenza's Evolutionary Potential
A recent study has uncovered a key mechanism that contributes to the evolution of influenza viruses. Researchers have found that a mutation that increases the accessibility of part of the viral protein to the host cell’s proteins is a key factor in the evolution of the virus. This mutation allows the virus to more easily interact with the host cell, which in turn allows it to mutate more quickly and adapt to its environment. This finding sheds new light on the evolution of influenza viruses and could potentially help in the development of new treatments.
source: Phys.org