Evolutionary Analysis of Hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase Mutations in Influenza Virus
Project Description
The antigenic glycoproteins hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) of influenza A virus subtypes are responsible for viral replication, by binding with sialic acid on host cells and membrane fusion, and cleaving such receptors for virion release respectively. Despite yearly reformulation of seasonal vaccines, continuous evolution of HA and NA has enabled the virus to acquire immune escape and severely hindered the protective effectiveness of antibodies elicited by such medications. This project aims to monitor the evolutionary trajectory by tracking spatiotemporal dynamics of HA and NA and identifying the mutational hotspots within to facilitate vaccine and drug design.
Supervisor
SU, Haibin
Quota
8
Course type
UROP1000
UROP1100
UROP2100
UROP3100
UROP3200
UROP4100
Applicant's Roles
Performing big data analysis on collected HA and NA amino acid sequences; conducting simulations on HA and NA; building an online mutation tracking platform.
Applicant's Learning Objectives
Training in big data analysis and computer simulations; gaining research experience in influenza virus system.
Complexity of the project
Moderate