Differences in influenza virus receptors in chickens and ducks: implications for interspecies transmission

Kuchipudi, S.V., Nelli, R., White, G.A., Bain, M. , Chang, K.C. and Dunham, S. (2009) Differences in influenza virus receptors in chickens and ducks: implications for interspecies transmission. Journal of Molecular and Genetic Medicine: Journal of molecular and genetic medicine : An International Journal of Biomedical Research, 3(1), pp. 143-51.

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Abstract

Avian influenza viruses are considered to be key contributors to the emergence of human influenza pandemics. A major determinant of infection is the presence of virus receptors on susceptible cells to which the viral haemagglutinin is able to bind. Avian viruses preferentially bind to sialic acid alpha2,3-galactose (SAalpha2,3-Gal) linked receptors, whereas human strains bind to sialic acid alpha2,6-galactose (SAalpha2,6-Gal) linked receptors. While ducks are the major reservoir for influenza viruses, they are typically resistant to the effects of viral infection, in contrast to the frequently severe disease observed in chickens. In order to understand whether differences in receptors might contribute to this observation, we studied the distribution of influenza receptors in organs of ducks and chickens using lectin histochemistry with linkage specific lectins and receptor binding assays with swine and avian influenza viruses. Although the intestinal epithelial cells of both species expressed only SAalpha2,3-Gal receptors, we found widespread presence of both SAalpha2,6-Gal and SAalpha2,3-Gal receptors in many organs of both chickens and ducks. Co-expression of both receptors may allow infection of cells with both avian and human viruses and so present a route to genetic reassortment. There was a marked difference in the primary receptor type in the trachea of chickens and ducks. In chicken trachea, SAalpha2,6-Gal was the dominant receptor type whereas in ducks SAalpha2,3-Gal receptors were most abundant. This suggests that chickens could be more important as an intermediate host for the generation of influenza viruses with increased ability to bind to SAalpha2,6-Gal receptors and thus greater potential for infection of humans. Chicken tracheal and intestinal epithelial cells also expressed a broader range of SAalpha2,3-Gal receptors (both beta(1-4)GlcNAc and beta(1-3)GalNAc subtypes) in contrast to ducks, which suggests that they may be able to support infection with a broader range of avian influenza viruses.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Bain, Professor Maureen
Authors: Kuchipudi, S.V., Nelli, R., White, G.A., Bain, M., Chang, K.C., and Dunham, S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Journal of Molecular and Genetic Medicine: Journal of molecular and genetic medicine : An International Journal of Biomedical Research
ISSN:1747-0862
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