Phenotypic Heterogeneity in Particle Size is a Viral Mechanism of Persistence

摘要: Influenza virus particles span ~55-nm to ~30-μm in length, but the role of filamentous remains elusive. Filaments package at most a single genome, display on their surfaces disproportionately more hemagglutinins (HAs). During cell entry, 3-5 neighboring HAs form fusion cluster, delivering genome across endosomal membrane. Here we identify influenza filaments as viral persisters increasing probability fusion-cluster formation and entry under HA-directed selective pressure. When HA function is limited, fuse rapidly efficiently than do spherical ones, infectious advantage derives from enhanced efficiency rather rate effects. are refractory extreme inactivation, presenting built-in reservoir that can adapt any condition limiting function.