influenza A virus hemagglutinin

Introduction

One of two major influenza A virus surface proteins (also see influenza A virus neuraminidase). These two proteins mutate rapidly. Current (1999) vaccines are directed against these two proteins neuraminidase & hemagglutinin. Thus influenza A vaccines must be produced each year based upon the most recent strains of virus.

More general terms

• viral protein
• hemagglutinin

Additional terms

• influenza A virus M2 protein
• influenza A virus neuraminidase