Influenza B Virus Hemagglutinin (Yamagata Lineage) (HA)

Influenza B virus hemagglutinin from the Yamagata lineage is an essential class I fusion protein responsible for binding sialic acid receptors on human respiratory epithelial cells and facilitating entry through membrane fusion. Its structure—a trimer with variable head domains—determines both its antigenicity and receptor specificity. Differences between lineages/subtypes affect immune recognition but core functions remain highly conserved across all influenza HAs. This protein remains central to diagnostics and vaccine design against seasonal flu caused by type B viruses.

Other names

HemagglutininInfluenza B HAYamagata HAB/Yamagata lineage hemagglutinin

Targeted by neutralizing antibodies that block receptor binding or fusion. NA inhibitors prevent release of new virions, thus indirectly limiting HA's spread.