RNA Virus Evolution: Tracing Quasi-species of HIV-1 and Predicting Influenza Viruses

Date/Time: 16 March 2015, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Speaker: Richard Neher, Ph.D.
Speaker Affiliation: Group Leader, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tubingen, Germany
Venue: John A. Burns School of Medicine, Kaka’ako Campus, 651 Ilalo Street, MEB Auditorium (Room 315)

For more info: Cori Watanabe 808-692-1654
Description: One of the hallmarks of many RNA viruses is their rapid evolution, which enables them to evade host immune responses. Continuous immune escape facilitates chronic infection by HIV-1, while antigenic drift allows seasonal influenza viruses to repeatedly infect the same host. We have sequenced the changing HIV-1 population in about 10 serial samples in 11 patients and have achieved sequencing depths of >1,000 covering the entire genome. Using this data set, we quantify how HIV-1 explores sequence space and evades immune responses. Similarly, influenza virus A/H3N2 changes its antigenic properties every few years and the seasonal influenza vaccine needs frequent updating. A computational approach to anticipate the strains dominating future seasons will be presented.
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