Cookies on this website
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Continue' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Complete picture of flu virus envelope revealed

Research

Researchers in the Biochemistry department have built a model of the intact influenza A virus outer envelope for the first time.

The work, co-ordinated by postdoctoral fellow Dr Tyler Reddy and with fellow researchers from the department, has appeared in Structure (1).

By bringing together structural information from a variety of experimental sources, the researchers have uniquely included detailed analysis of the viral lipid envelope in their studies. Their model reveals characteristics that may help scientists understand how the virus survives in the wild and find new ways to combat it.

Read more (Department of Biochemistry website)

Influenza A virion on a mammalian plasma membrane© Heidi Koldsø

Influenza A virion on a mammalian plasma membrane.
Image: Heidi Koldsø

  1. Nothing to Sneeze At: A Dynamic and Integrative Computational Model of an Influenza Virion. Reddy T, Shorthouse D, Parton DL, Jefferys E, Fowler PW, Chavent M, Baaden M and Sansom MSP. Structure (2015) http://www.cell.com/structure/abstract/S0969-2126(15)00032-5

Similar stories

Tinnitus seems linked with sleep – understanding how could bring us closer to finding a cure

New reporting guidelines developed to improve AI in healthcare settings

New reporting guidelines, jointly published in Nature Medicine and the BMJ by Oxford researchers, will ensure that early studies on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to treat real patients will give researchers the information needed to develop AI systems safely and effectively.

Major boost for Oxford’s mission to counter future pandemic threats

The Moh Family Foundation has given a substantial gift to support the work of Oxford University’s Pandemic Sciences Institute, greatly strengthening its ability to identify and counter future pandemic threats and ensure equitable access to treatments and vaccines around the world.

Three NHSBT research units launch at University of Oxford

The NIHR has awarded three new Blood and Transplant Research Units (BTRUs) to the University of Oxford.

Fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose provides stronger immunity boost than third dose, shows UK study

COVID-19 vaccines given as fourth doses in the UK offer excellent boosting immunity protection, according to the latest results from a nationwide NIHR-supported study.

COVID-19’s high blood clot risk

A recent study of patient health records found that around 1 in 100 people with COVID-19 had a venal or arterial thrombosis, with rates higher still among males, and particularly for those hospitalised.