Molecular interactions and trafficking of influenza A virus polymerase proteins analyzed by specific monoclonal antibodies

The influenza polymerase complex composed of PA, PB1 and PB2, plays a key role in viral replication and pathogenicity. Newly synthesized components must be translocated to the nucleus, where replication and transcription of viral genomes take place. Previous studies suggest that while PB2 is translocated to the nucleus independently, PA and PB1 subunits could not localize to the nucleus unless in a PA–PB1 complex. To further determine the molecular interactions between the components, we created a panel of 16 hybridoma cell lines, which produce monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against each polymerase component. We showed that, although PB1 interacts with both PA and PB2 individually, nuclear localization of PB1 is enhanced only when co-expressed with PA. Interestingly, one of the anti-PA mAbs reacted much more strongly with PA when co-expressed with PB1. These results suggest that PA–PB1 interactions induce a conformational change in PA, which could be required for its nuclear translocation.

► New mAbs against influenza polymerase proteins were produced.
► PA-PB1 and PB1-PB2, but not PA-PB2 interactions were confirmed.
► PA and PB1 were localized in nuclei only when they were co-expressed.
► Structural change of PA when in complex with PB1 was suggested.