Influenza A virus lacking the NS1 gene replicates in interferon-deficient systems

A García-Sastre, A Egorov, D Matassov, S Brandt… - Virology, 1998 - Elsevier
A García-Sastre, A Egorov, D Matassov, S Brandt, DE Levy, JE Durbin, P Palese, T Muster
Virology, 1998Elsevier
The NS1 protein is the only nonstructural protein encoded by influenza A virus. It has been
proposed that the NS1 performs several regulatory functions during the viral replication
cycle, including the regulation of synthesis, transport, splicing, and translation of mRNAs.
Through the use of reverse genetics, a viable transfectant influenza A virus (delNS1) which
lacks the NS1 gene has been generated. Our results indicate that the NS1 of influenza A
virus is an auxiliary (virulence) factor which plays a crucial role in inhibiting interferon …
The NS1 protein is the only nonstructural protein encoded by influenza A virus. It has been proposed that the NS1 performs several regulatory functions during the viral replication cycle, including the regulation of synthesis, transport, splicing, and translation of mRNAs. Through the use of reverse genetics, a viable transfectant influenza A virus (delNS1) which lacks the NS1 gene has been generated. Our results indicate that the NS1 of influenza A virus is an auxiliary (virulence) factor which plays a crucial role in inhibiting interferon-mediated antiviral responses of the host.
Elsevier