New Influenza Virus Image: 3D stereo anaglyph available

Influenza Virus 3D Anaglyph

My new flu model has just been used to generate a 3D anaglyph of the influenza virus (viewable with red-green spectacles). This image shows the virion cutaway to reveal the deeper structures such as the RNPs and the matrix shell. At 5000 pixels across (25 megapixels), it is large enough to be used for museum exhibits or trade show displays. Anaglyphs are always a big drawcard for shows. You can see all my anaglyphs here.

All influenza images are in this gallery.

New Flu Image: 3D cutaway model of influenza virus

Influenza Virus Structure Cutaway

A set of new graphics clearly showing the structure of the flu virus have just been uploaded. Superficially you can see the spikes of Haemagglutinin (red) and Neuraminidase (squarish and yellow). These spikes pass through the greenish viral envelope to dock with the underlying matrix (M) proteins shown in purple. Inside the matrix shell you can glimpse the dark yellow ribonucleoproteins that house the viral genome. Flu viruses have eight of these RNPs. This segmented genome can get jumbled up during viral assembly. This allows different strains to easily form from existing types if more than one type of flu virus has infected the same cell at the same time. These illustrations are ideal for educators and public health campaigns. They are high resolution (5000 pixels across) and so are suitable for large poster displays. There are several versions of these cutaway structural graphics:

Flu Structure #1,  Flu Structure #2,  Flu Structure #3, Flu Structure #4 (on black),
See all flu images.

New Influenza Virus Model Created

Influenza virus: new model

I have just added a new graphic of an influenza virion to my collection. This is based on a new 3D model that I have been working on for quite a while. Highly detailed and to scale, it shows the glycoprotein spikes (haemagglutinin, red, and neuraminidase, yellow) radiating from the viral envelope. Barely visible (but there nonetheless) are several copies of the transmembrane (M2 protein) proton channels. Beneath the envelope lies the matrix protein cage (grey units that can be glimpsed clearly through the viral envelope). The model that I created allows for spherical, capsule shaped (as in this case for this particular image) and elongate forms of the virus.

See also a version of this influenza virus particle on a black background.