Influenza (Flu) antibodies

Influenza A and B (Flu viruses) are the two types of influenza viruses that cause seasonal respiratory epidemics or Flu in humans. While they share similar symptoms—including high fever, cough, and body aches—they differ significantly in their host range, mutation rates, and pandemic potential.

GenHunter currently has 2 monoclonal antibodies against Influenza (Flu).

Influenza A Virus
• Host Range: Infects humans and various animals (birds, pigs, horses, seals).
• Evolution: Mutates rapidly through antigenic drift (minor changes) and antigenic shift (major changes).
• Pandemic Risk: High. Because they can jump between species, they can introduce novel strains to humans, leading to pandemics.
• Severity: Typically causes more severe, aggressive, and widespread illness.
• Classification: Classified into subtypes based on surface proteins (e.g., H1N1, H3N2).

Influenza B Virus
• Host Range: Found almost exclusively in humans.
• Evolution: Mutates more slowly than Influenza A (mostly antigenic drift), often causing less severe, though still significant, disease.
• Pandemic Risk: Low. They do not cause pandemics because they do not have an animal reservoir to facilitate drastic shifts.
• Severity: Common in children, often peaking later in the season (spring).
• Classification: Classified into two main lineages: B/Yamagata and B/Victoria.

Hemagglutinin (HA) Antigen
Hemagglutinin is a homo-trimeric glycoprotein found on the surface of both influenza A and B viruses, playing a critical role in infection.
• Function: It is the primary protein responsible for binding the virus to sialic acid receptors on the surface of host cells and mediating membrane fusion, allowing the virus to enter the cell.
• Antigenic Role: HA is the major antigen targeted by the immune system. Antibodies that bind to HA prevent the virus from attaching to cells, providing immunity.
• Vaccine Target: Seasonal flu vaccines are designed to generate antibodies against the HA proteins of the circulating strains.
• Variation: Because HA is constantly changing (drift), vaccines must be updated annually to match the new HA variants.

Influenza/Flu Antibody Products Available: