H7 hemagglutinin-specific B cell receptor (H7 HA-specific BCR)

H7 hemagglutinin-specific B cell receptors (BCRs) and antibodies are specialized proteins of the adaptive immune system that target the H7 subtype of the influenza A virus hemagglutinin (HA) (1.1.1). The HA protein is the primary viral surface glycoprotein responsible for host cell attachment via sialic acid receptors and subsequent membrane fusion (1.3.3). BCRs on the surface of B cells recognize specific epitopes on the HA head or stem, triggering B cell activation and the production of secreted antibodies (1.1.5). These antibodies provide protection by neutralizing the virus, often by sterically hindering the receptor-binding site (RBS) or preventing the conformational changes required for fusion (1.2.1, 1.2.3). In the context of zoonotic threats like H7N9, these molecules are primary targets for vaccine design, which aims to elicit potent and broadly reactive responses (1.2.4). Monoclonal antibodies such as H7.5 and H7.167 have been isolated from vaccinees and survivors, demonstrating therapeutic potential as passive immunotherapies (1.1.2, 1.2.1). Research into these receptors is crucial for developing universal influenza vaccines that can protect against diverse H7 lineages and other emerging subtypes (1.1.4).

Other names

H7-specific B cell receptorH7-specific antibodyAnti-H7 hemagglutinin antibodyH7N9-specific antibodyH7 HA-reactive B cellH7 hemagglutinin-specific antibodies

Neutralization of viral infection by binding to the hemagglutinin protein, thereby blocking viral attachment to host cells or preventing membrane fusion; some antibodies also induce trimer dissociation or mediate effector functions like ADCC (1.1.2, 1.2.1).