Mason Buchholz

Mrs. Rausch

Biotechnology, Period 6

May 18, 2017

Influenza Hemagglutinin

Influenza A virus membranes contain 3 proteins: hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase

(NA), and the proton channel (M2). Influenza Hemagglutinin is a protein that binds to

polypeptide bonds, and is found on the surface of the Influenza virus. It is responsible for

binding the virus to the cell that is being infected. The name "hemagglutinin" comes from the

protein's ability to cause red blood cells to clump together. The process is like this:

Hemagglutinin (HA) binds to the monosaccharide sialic acid which is present on the surface of

its target host cells. The cell membrane then engulfs the virus through endocytosis and forms

endosome. The cell then attempts to begin digesting the contents of the endosome by acidifying

its interior and transforming it into a lysosome. When the pH within the endosome drops to 6.0,

the HA molecule becomes partially unfold, and releasing a very hydrophobic portion of its

peptide chain that was previously hidden within the protein. This so-called "fusion peptide" acts

like a molecular grappling hook by inserting itself into the endosomal membrane and locking on.

Then, when the rest of the HA molecule refolds into a new structure and pulls the endosomal

membrane right up next to the virus particle's own membrane, causing the two to fuse together.

Once this has happened, the viral RNA genome enters into the cell's cytoplasm.

HA is a homotrimeric integral membrane glycoprotein. It is shaped like a cylinder, and is

approximately 13.5 nanometres long. The three identical monomers that constitute HA are
constructed into a central helix coil; three spherical heads contain the sialic acid binding sites.

The protein consists of many spiral alpha helixes, which are held together by hydrogen bonds.

HA monomers are synthesized as precursors that are then glycosylated and cleaved into two

smaller polypeptides: the HA1 and HA2 subunits. Each HA monomer consists of a long, helical

chain anchored in the membrane by HA2 and topped by a large HA1 globule.

For my model I included, the backbone, for some structure to lay everything else out on.

The hydrogen bonds to hold everything together, and the Amino Acid Residues to show what

goes where on the model. I had plenty of Ah-Ha moments while working on this project, my

first moment came after the hydrogen bonds were put on the model, which held up and

maintained the shape, in much the same way it does in molecules. I also soon realized that they

were infinitely helpful with the helixes, because without them it was a mess. My seconds Ah-Ha

moment was when I was attaching the Amino Acids, because I consistently come under prepared

to do anything, I didnt have tape or anything to connect the, so I cut a piece of paper into slips

and then cut two small holes into the slip of paper, finally I weaved the pipe cleaner through the

slits and pulled it out through the other side to attach it back into itself. With the modeling

software itself, I was having a lot of trouble getting to the right angle and with the zooming, but I

realized that those commands were much easier when done with right-click, which brought up a

drop down menu, that allowed you to change the angle of your view. The attaching of the amino

acids, may have been the hardest and most time consuming, but, I had a great sense of pride and

accomplishment, when looking at the finished backbone.

The yellow strand symbolizes its backbone, the Green bonds are the Hbonds.