Structure modeling and spatial epitope analysis for HA protein of the novel H1N1 influenza virus

In recent months, a novel influenza virus H1N1 broke out around the world. With bioinformatics technology, the 3D structure of HA protein was obtained, and the epitope residues were predicted with the method developed in our group for this novel flu virus. 58 amino acids were identified as potential epitope residues, the majority of which clustered at the surface of the globular head of HA protein. Although it is located at the similar position, the epitope of HA protein for the novel H1N1 flu virus has obvious differences in the electrostatic potential compared to that of HA proteins from previous flu viruses.