Identification of a casein kinase II phosphorylation domain in NS1 protein of H5N1 influenza virus

Influenza virus causes febrile respiratory illness. The infection results in significant mortality, morbidity and economic disruption. In this bioinformatics study, we used the NS1 (the conserved nonstructural) protein of influenza A virus to demonstrate its role in infectivity. Our in silico study revealed a new Casein kinase II (CKII) phosphorylation domain at position 151-154. This domain was formed due to the mutation at position 151 (T151I). Moreover, considerable difference in the secondary structure of this protein due to mutation was also reported. It is also confirmed by contact residue analysis that the changes in secondary structure are due to mutations.