Diversity and Complexity of Internally Deleted Viral Genomes in Influenza A Virus Subpopulations with Enhanced Interferon-Inducing Phenotypes

Influenza A virus (IAV) populations harbor large subpopulations of defective-interfering particles characterized by internally deleted viral genomes. These internally deleted genomes have demonstrated the ability to suppress infectivity and boost innate immunity, rendering them promising for therapeutic and immunogenic applications. In this study, we aimed to investigate the diversity and complexity of the internally deleted IAV genomes within a panel of plaque-purified avian influenza viruses selected for their enhanced interferon-inducing phenotypes. Our findings unveiled that the abundance and diversity of internally deleted viral genomes were contingent upon the viral subculture and plaque purification processes. We observed a heightened occurrence of internally deleted genomes with distinct junctions in viral clones exhibiting enhanced interferon-inducing phenotypes, accompanied by additional truncation in the nonstructural 1 protein linker region (NS1 Delta 76-86). Computational analyses suggest the internally deleted IAV genomes can encode a broad range of carboxy-terminally truncated and intrinsically disordered proteins with variable lengths and amino acid composition. Further research is imperative to unravel the underlying mechanisms driving the increased diversity of internal deletions within the genomes of viral clones exhibiting enhanced interferon-inducing capacities and to explore their potential for modulating cellular processes and immunity.

Automated summary

This study investigated the diversity and complexity of internally deleted genomes in avian influenza viruses, finding that their abundance and diversity depend on viral subculture and purification processes. The occurrence of internally deleted genomes increased in viral clones that exhibited enhanced interferon-inducing capabilities. Computational analyses suggest that these genomes can encode truncated proteins with variable lengths and amino acid composition.