Influenza virus entry into host cells depends on coordinated
structural changes in the haemagglutinin (HA) protein following attachment to
the cell surface. Successful infection requires both receptor engagement and
fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane.

Which description best explains how HA enables
membrane fusion during influenza virus entry into lung epithelial cells?

Question

Influenza virus entry into host cells depends on coordinated
structural changes in the haemagglutinin (HA) protein following attachment to
the cell surface. Successful infection requires both receptor engagement and
fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane.

Which description best explains how HA enables
membrane fusion during influenza virus entry into lung epithelial cells?

Accepted Answer

HA
trimers bind sialic acid and then undergo a conformational change that drives
fusion of the viral and host cell membranes

Answer

Individual
HA subunits bind independently to receptors and create pores through which
viral genetic material enters the cell

Answer

HA
subunits cooperate to bind a single sialic acid molecule, triggering formation
of a channel that allows viral RNA to pass directly into the cytoplasm

Answer

HA
trimers bind receptors and remain structurally stable while the viral genome is
actively transported across the host membrane

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Influenza virus entry into host cells depends on coordinated structural changes...

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