Images of Influenza Viruses

Understanding Influenza (Flu) Infection: An Influenza Virus Binds to a Respiratory Tract Cell

This image illustrates the very beginning stages of an influenza (flu) infection. Most experts think that influenza viruses spread mainly through small droplets containing influenza virus. These droplets are expelled into the air when people infected with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Once in the air, these small infectious droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. This image shows what happens after these influenza viruses enter the human body. The viruses attach to cells within the nasal passages and throat (i.e., the respiratory tract). The influenza virus’s hemagglutinin (HA) surface proteins then bind to the sialic acid receptors on the surface of a human respiratory tract cell. The structure of the influenza virus’s HA surface proteins is designed to fit the sialic acid receptors of the human cell, like a key to a lock. Once the key enters the lock, the influenza virus is then able to enter and infect the cell. This marks the beginning of a flu infection.

Image with Labels and Full Text - JPG, 1.6 MB
Image with Labels and Full Text

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Graphical Representations of a Generic Influenza Virus

These images provide a 3D graphical representation of the biology and structure of a generic influenza virus, and are not specific to the 2009 H1N1 virus. Available for download in 72 dpi.

3D View – Full – One Color
3D View - Full - One Color
Available in these background colors — Posted March 26, 2010

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3D View – Full – Multiple Colors
3D View - Full - Multiple Colors
Available in these background colors — Posted November 25, 2009

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3D View – Sliced – One Color
3D View - Sliced - One Color
Available in these background colors — Posted March 26, 2010

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3D View – Sliced – Multiple Colors
3D View - Sliced - Multiple Colors
Available in these background colors — Posted November 25, 2009

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3D View – Sliced with Key – One Color
3D View - Sliced with Key - One Color
Available in these background colors — Posted March 26, 2010

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3D View – Sliced – Multiple Colors
3D View - Sliced with Key - Multiple Colors
Available in these background colors — Posted November 25, 2009

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3D View – Sliced with Key – Antigenic Sites
3D View - Sliced with Key - Antigenic Sites
Available on a white background — Posted May 19, 2014

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The above image shows the different features of an influenza virus, including the surface proteins hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Following influenza infection or receipt of the influenza vaccine, the body’s immune system develops antibodies that recognize and bind to “antigenic sites,” which are regions found on an influenza virus’ surface proteins. By binding to these antigenic sites, antibodies neutralize flu viruses, which prevents them from causing further infection.

3D View – Sliced with Key – Antigenic Sites with Caption
3D View - Sliced with Key - Antigenic Sites with Caption
Available on a white background with captions — Posted June 4, 2014

White:
Large | Medium | Small

The above image shows the different features of an influenza virus, including the surface proteins hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Following influenza infection or receipt of the influenza vaccine, the body’s immune system develops antibodies that recognize and bind to “antigenic sites,” which are regions found on an influenza virus’ surface proteins. By binding to these antigenic sites, antibodies neutralize flu viruses, which prevents them from causing further infection.

Influenza Virus (Whole Virion, Translucent Blue, Clear Background)
A_Flu19_trans_full-large

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A 3D computer-generated rendering of a whole influenza (flu) virus in semi-transparent blue with a clear background. The virus’ hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) surface proteins are displayed in semi-transparent blue sticking out of the surface of the virus. HA is a trimer (which is comprised of three subunits), while NA is a tetramer (which is comprised of four subunits and its head region resembles a 4-leaf clover).

Influenza Virus (Whole Virion, Translucent Blue, Blue Background)
A_Flu19_trans_full-large

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A 3D computer-generated rendering of a whole influenza (flu) virus in semi-transparent blue with a navy-blue background. The virus’ hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) surface proteins are displayed in semi-transparent blue sticking out of the surface of the virus. HA is a trimer (which is comprised of three subunits), while NA is a tetramer (which is comprised of four subunits and its head region resembles a 4-leaf clover)

Influenza Virus (Whole Virion, Grey Membrane, Blue Surface Proteins, Clear Background)
Flu19_full_notTrans-large

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A 3D computer-generated rendering of a whole influenza (flu) virus with a light grey surface membrane set against a clear background. The virus’ surface proteins – hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) – are depicted in light and dark blue, respectively. HA is a trimer (which is comprised of three subunits), while NA is a tetramer (which is comprised of four subunits and its head region resembles a 4-leaf clover)

Influenza Virus (Whole Virion, Grey Membrane, Blue Surface Proteins, Black Background)
Flu19_full_notTrans-large

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A 3D computer-generated rendering of a whole influenza (flu) virus with a light grey surface membrane set against a black background. The virus’ surface proteins – hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) – are depicted in light and dark blue, respectively. HA is a trimer (which is comprised of three subunits), while NA is a tetramer (which is comprised of four subunits and its head region resembles a 4-leaf clover)

Influenza Virus (Half-Sliced Virion, Internal RNP, Blue Surface Proteins, Clear Background)
Flu19_half_notTrans-large

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A 3D computer-generated rendering of a half-sliced influenza (flu) virus with a grey surface membrane set against a clear background. The virus’ surface proteins – hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) – are depicted in light and dark blue, respectively. Inside of the virus, its ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) are shown with their coiled structures and three-bulbed polymerase complex on the ends. An influenza virus’ RNP is composed of both RNA and protein. Every influenza virus has eight RNP segments that correspond to the virus’ eight total gene segments. Three of these RNP segments encode the virus’ surface proteins (i.e., the HA, NA and M proteins).

Influenza Virus (Half-Sliced Virion, Internal RNP, Blue Surface Proteins, Black Background)
Flu19_half_notTrans-large

Large | Medium | Small

A 3D computer-generated rendering of a half-sliced influenza (flu) virus with a grey surface membrane set against a black background. The virus’ surface proteins – hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) – are depicted in light and dark blue, respectively. HA is a trimer (which is comprised of three subunits), while NA is a tetramer (which is comprised of four subunits and its head region resembles a 4-leaf clover). Inside of the virus, its ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) are shown with their coiled structures and three-bulbed polymerase complex on the ends. An influenza virus’ RNP is composed of both RNA and protein. Every influenza virus has eight RNP segments that correspond to the virus’ eight total gene segments. Three of these RNP segments encode the virus’ surface proteins (i.e., the HA, NA and M proteins).

Influenza Virus (Whole Virion, Translucent Blue with Internal RNP, Clear Background)
Flu19_trans_RNPs-large

Large | Medium | Small

3D computer-generated rendering of a whole influenza (flu) virus in semi-transparent blue with a clear background. On the inside of the virus, its ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) are shown in white with their coiled structures and three-bulbed polymerase complex on the ends. An influenza virus’ RNP is composed of both RNA and protein. Every influenza virus has eight RNP segments that correspond to the virus’ eight total gene segments. Three of these RNP segments encode the virus’ surface proteins (i.e., the HA, NA and M proteins).

Influenza Virus (Whole Virion, Translucent Blue with Internal RNP, Black Background)
Flu19_trans_RNPs-large

Large | Medium | Small

3D computer-generated rendering of a whole influenza (flu) virus in semi-transparent blue with a black background. On the inside of the virus, its ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) are shown in white with their coiled structures and three-bulbed polymerase complex on the ends. An influenza virus’ RNP is composed of both RNA and protein. Every influenza virus has eight RNP segments that correspond to the virus’ eight total gene segments. Three of these RNP segments encode the virus’ surface proteins (i.e., the HA, NA and M proteins).

Influenza Virus (Whole Virion, Translucent Dark Blue with Window Showing Internal RNP, Clear Background)
Flu19_trans_RNPs2-large

Large | Medium | Small

3D computer-generated rendering of a whole influenza (flu) virus in semi-transparent blue with a clear background. A transparent area in the center of the image allows the viewer to see inside of the influenza virus to see its ribonucleoproteins (RNPs).  The RNPS are shown in white with their coiled structures and three-bulbed polymerase complex on the ends. An influenza virus’ RNP is composed of both RNA and protein. Every influenza virus has eight RNP segments that correspond to the virus’ eight total gene segments. Three of these RNP segments encode the virus’ surface proteins (i.e., the HA, NA and M proteins). The virus’ hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) surface proteins are displayed in semi-transparent blue sticking out of the surface of the virus. HA is a trimer (which is comprised of three subunits), while NA is a tetramer (which is comprised of four subunits and its head region resembles a 4-leaf clover)

Influenza Virus (Whole Virion, Translucent Dark Blue with Window Showing Internal RNP, Black Background)
Flu19_trans_RNPs2-large

Large | Medium | Small

3D computer-generated rendering of a whole influenza (flu) virus in semi-transparent blue with a black background. A transparent area in the center of the image allows the viewer to see inside of the influenza virus to see its ribonucleoproteins (RNPs).  The RNPS are shown in white with their coiled structures and three-bulbed polymerase complex on the ends. An influenza virus’ RNP is composed of both RNA and protein. Every influenza virus has eight RNP segments that correspond to the virus’ eight total gene segments. Three of these RNP segments encode the virus’ surface proteins (i.e., the HA, NA and M proteins). The virus’ hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) surface proteins are displayed in semi-transparent blue sticking out of the surface of the virus. HA is a trimer (which is comprised of three subunits), while NA is a tetramer (which is comprised of four subunits and its head region resembles a 4-leaf clover)