Now in our 13th year of bringing you beautiful imagery from biomedical science every day

Search the archive of over 4000 images

Influenza See

Insight into the behaviour of influenza c virus by revealing its detailed structure

19 April 2021

Influenza See

Viruses are audacious, they don’t just break in to host cells, they often hijack the host’s own machinery in order to replicate, then rip a chunk of its membrane away as they burst out, forming an envelope which helps them to spread. Aiming to block this trail of destruction, virologists scan the surface of this influenza C virus for clues to the molecules involved using electron cryotomography. After forming 2D pictures of structural details, a computer model recreates the details in 3D – showing this lattice structure formed by sugary glycoprotein called haemagglutinin-esterase-fusion factor (HEF). Researchers can now investigate how HEF helps the virus to attach to and destroy receptors on the host cell’s surface as well as pushing its way inside. Comparing differences with more harmful viruses like influenza A and B may help find ways to block their viral spread.

Written by John Ankers

Search The Archive

Submit An Image

Follow on Tumblr

Follow on Instagram

What is BPoD?

BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

Read More

BPoD is also available in Catalan at www.bpod.cat with translations by the University of Valencia.