2018

Theme: Influenza Virus Proteins Involved in Getting the Virus Into and Out of Host Cells

This year’s event focuses on two proteins found on the surface of the influenza virus. One protein, hemagglutinin, undergoes a dramatic pH-induced conformational change that allows the viral genetic material to enter the cell. The other protein, neuraminidase, is important in helping the virus to both 1) get through the sticky mucus layer to enter the cell and 2) allow the replicated viral particles to escape the cell. Neuraminidase is the target for antiviral agents such as Tamiflu.