Structure of an avian influenza A virus NS1 protein effector domain.
Hale, B.G., Barclay, W.S., Randall, R.E., Russell, R.J.(2008) Virology 378: 1-5
- PubMed: 18585749 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.virol.2008.05.026
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
3D6R - PubMed Abstract: 
Influenza A virus NS1 protein is a multifunctional virulence factor. Here, we report a crystal structure for the NS1 effector domain of avian influenza virus A/Duck/Albany/76. Comparison of this structure with that reported for a human strain shows both proteins share a common monomer conformation, albeit with subtle differences. Strikingly, our data reveal a novel helix-helix dimeric interface between monomers of the avian NS1 protein, which is also found in the human NS1 crystal lattice. We re-evaluate the current model of NS1 dimeric assembly, and provide biochemical evidence to show tryptophan-187 (a residue located at the helix-helix interface) is essential for dimerization of this effector domain.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 9ST, UK.