Hemagglutinin antigens

Hemagglutinin (HA) antigens are antigenic glycoproteins found on the surface of influenza viruses. They are responsible for binding the virus to host cells by attaching to sialic acid receptors on the cell surface, initiating the infection process. HA is a homotrimeric integral membrane glycoprotein with a dual function as both an attachment factor and membrane fusion protein. It is the primary target of protective antibody responses induced by viral infection and vaccination. HA antigens are a major component in influenza vaccines, including inactivated and live-attenuated formulations. The effectiveness of HA-based vaccines depends on the structural integrity of the antigens, with different serotypes (H1, H3, etc.) having different expression requirements for optimal protective antibody responses.

Other names

Influenza hemagglutinin antigens