| Popis: |
Publisher Summary The carbohydrate side chains of the influenza virus hemagglutinin are attached by N-glycosidic linkages to the polypeptide. Complex (type I), mannose-rich (type II), and hybrid side chains are present and each of these types exhibits a considerable amount of heterogeneity. The three oligosaccharide types found on the mature hemagglutinin differ, therefore, from each other in the completeness of processing. In various aspects, the hemagglutinin carbohydrates have been found to be of biological significance. Evidence has been obtained that they protect the polypeptide from proteolytic degradation. Some but not all of the side chains are antigenic determinants that cross react with host specific carbohydrates. It is also reasonable to assume, although it has not been shown directly, that in some viruses, hemagglutinins oligosaccharides may prevent the immune recognition of antigenic sites that are freely accessible in other hemagglutinins. |
