Host-range barrier of influenza A viruses

Ample evidence suggests that all influenza viruses in mammals were probably derived from those in wild waterfowl at some time. In addition to those already established in mammals, the viruses have been transmitted to both mammals and to poultry from wild waterfowl and caused outbreaks in recent years. Experimentally, however, the viruses from one species of animals do not grow efficiently in other species. For example, human influenza viruses do not replicate in ducks or in horses, indicating their host range restriction. This paper reviews current knowledge on the host-range restriction of influenza viruses, focusing on the role of the hemagglutinin (HA).