NIAID scientists use 3D Tech to better understand the 1918 flu virus | 3DPrint.com

The H1N1 Virus [Image via Wikipedia]

The 1918 influenza pandemic, also known as the Spanish flu, was the first of two influenza pandemics involving the H1N1 It has affected about 500 million people worldwide, reaching even the most remote islands and the Arctic, causing the death of some 50 to 100 million people, or between 3 and 5% of the world's population As the wave of flu spread around the world, wartime censors tried to downplay reports so as not to hurt morale, but countries like Spain, which was neutral during the war. World War II, reported the disease freely, gave the impression that the flu had hit particularly Spain, thus giving the name of Spanish flu, despite its heavy consequences worldwide.

This flu has been particularly not only because of its magnitude but also because it t resulted in the deaths of young, old and sick, as is normally the case during flu outbreaks, it mostly killed young adults in good health. There are a number of theories explaining why this flu was so particularly deadly and samples that were kept in the bodies of victims that were found frozen were submitted to study at the time in an attempt to to break through his secrets. While an investigation suggested that the virus itself was particularly aggressive, other research suggested that rather than a difference in the virus, there was a change in the global situation following WWI. allowed the normal flu virus to cause such deadly ravages. A recent theory suggests the possibility that aspirin poisoning contributed to the high number of deaths because there was a distinct peak after the general surgeon recommended large doses of aspirin as a treatment and as a result of the expiry of Bayer's patent on the drug. a multitude of other companies rushed to produce and profit from the production of aspirin.

Soldiers from Fort Riley, Kansas, suffering from Spanish flu at Camp Funston Hospital. [Image: US Military via Wikipedia]

Efforts to understand everything we can about such a deadly disease have not been put aside in the 100 years since its dramatic outbreak. New research conducted by scientists from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), members of the National Institutes of Health, aims to better understand the H1N1 flu virus as part of a program development of improved vaccine platforms. particles (VLPs). A virus-like particle is a protein-based structure that mimics a virus and binds to antibodies, the important distinction itself being non-infectious. This combination makes it the platform for delivering ideas for vaccines not only against the flu, but also against diseases like the Ebola virus, SARS and HIV.

On the left, a 1918 H1-like particle (VLP) – electron microscopy. On the right is the same VLP rendered in 3D with segmented and colored calculated structural components; The hemagglutinin and membrane are light blue and the internal components (molecular cargo) are red. [Image: NIAID]

To better understand how this might happen, a 3D modeling expert was called to create a version of the 1918 H1 Pandemic Influenza virus to help researchers visualize the molecular structure. The data for visualization was compiled through a process of collecting hundreds of VLP samples that were then quickly frozen and layered, providing a view of their inner layers. Computers were used to track their key molecules and aggregated data was used to generate a complete model of the molecular structure from the frozen samples.

Although it was possible to obtain near-VLP images, it was presented with the kind of clarity made possible by using 3D modeling techniques. This allowed researchers to understand the unique arrangement of hemagglutinin (HA) proteins and it is thought that the number and location of HA molecules may influence the efficacy of VLP vaccines. The hope is that with this increased understanding they will not only be able to create a potential platform for vaccines against other diseases, but also more effective vaccines against the flu itself, even when it's just the regular seasonal bug. their preliminary research was published in Scientific Reports and will undoubtedly encourage others to understand the value of 3D modeling for medical research at this micro level. "Structural Analysis of Flu Virus Vaccine Particles Reveals a Multicomponent Organization" was written by Dustin M. McCraw, John R. Gallagher, Udana Torian, Myers Mallory, Michael T. Conlon, Neetu M. Gulati and Audray K. Harris

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