Distribution patterns of influenza virus receptors and viral attachment patterns in the respiratory and intestinal tracts of seven avian species

Abstract

This study assessed the presence of sialic acid α-2,3 and α-2,6 linked glycan receptors in seven avian species. The respiratory and intestinal tracts of the chicken, common quail, red-legged partridge, turkey, golden pheasant, ostrich, and mallard were tested by means of lectin histochemistry, using the lectins Maackia amurensis agglutinin II and Sambucus nigra agglutinin, which show affinity for α-2,3 and α-2,6 receptors, respectively. Additionally, the pattern of virus attachment (PVA) was evaluated with virus histochemistry, using an avian-origin H4N5 virus and a human-origin seasonal H1N1 virus. There was a great variation of receptor distribution among the tissues and avian species studied. Both α-2,3 and α-2,6 receptors were present in the respiratory and intestinal tracts of the chicken, common quail, red-legged partridge, turkey, and golden pheasant. In ostriches, the expression of the receptor was basically restricted to α-2,3 in both the respiratory and intestinal tracts and in mallards the α-2,6 receptors were absent from the intestinal tract. The results obtained with the lectin histochemistry were, in general, in agreement with the PVA. The differential expression and distribution of α-2,3 and α-2,6 receptors among various avian species might reflect a potentially decisive factor in the emergence of new viral strains.

Pathobiology of Clade 2.3.4.4 H5Nx High-Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus Infections in Minor Gallinaceous Poultry Supports Early Backyard Flock Introductions in the Western United States in 2014-2015

“…Epidemiological and experimental data suggest that, among the gallinaceous poultry, Japanese quail play a crucial role in the genesis of AI viruses because (i) AI viruses have been isolated from Japanese quail in commercial flocks and LPMs in North America, Europe, and Asia (27,(53)(54)(55)(56)(57); (ii) Japanese quail are experimentally susceptible to and support replication of HPAI viruses (22); (iii) most AI subtypes are able to replicate in Japanese quail, primarily in the respiratory tract (22); (iv) Japanese quail facilitate the adaptation of AI viruses of wild origin to major poultry species and mammals (28,40,41,(57)(58)(59)(60)(61)(62); (v) Japanese quail carry sialic acid receptors functional for binding of both avian (␣-2,3) and human (␣-2,6) influenza viruses (63); and (vi) Japanese quail are able to support efficient replication and transmission of reassortant viruses (34,37,38,64,65). Collectively, these findings support the tenet that Japanese quail are optimal hosts for the adaptation of wild bird AI viruses.…”

Sialic acid receptors: focus on their role in influenza infection

“…This event is facilitated when animal species such as swine or quail function as "mixing vessels", because they express both types of SA receptors. 6,7 Investigating the SA receptor-binding properties of IAV Influenza virus entry to susceptible cells is governed by the interaction between the HA surface antigen of the virus and the cell receptor SA. The recognition of different A simple way to assess the receptor specificity of influenza viruses can be through the agglutination of erythrocytes from different animal species.…”

Pathobiology of avian influenza virus infection in minor gallinaceous species: a review

“…These cumulative observations along the years have been recently explained by molecular adaptation of quail AI strains, especially in haemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes, whose amino acid pattern might be intermediate between those of duck and chicken viruses (Castrucci et al, 1993;Perez et al, 2003a;Sorrell et al, 2010). In addition, quail carry sialic acid receptors functional for binding of avian and human influenza viruses (Wan & Perez, 2006;Costa et al, 2012). Less studied game fowl species such as E. quail, R. partridge, and golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) may also express both types of receptors in the respiratory and intestinal tracts (Costa et al, 2012).…”

“…In addition, quail carry sialic acid receptors functional for binding of avian and human influenza viruses (Wan & Perez, 2006;Costa et al, 2012). Less studied game fowl species such as E. quail, R. partridge, and golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) may also express both types of receptors in the respiratory and intestinal tracts (Costa et al, 2012). Therefore, even if there are variations among species (Costa et al, 2012), gallinaceous birds could provide an optimal environment for the adaptation of wild-bird AIVs, generating novel variants that can cross the species barrier to domestic poultry and human beings.…”

“…Less studied game fowl species such as E. quail, R. partridge, and golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) may also express both types of receptors in the respiratory and intestinal tracts (Costa et al, 2012). Therefore, even if there are variations among species (Costa et al, 2012), gallinaceous birds could provide an optimal environment for the adaptation of wild-bird AIVs, generating novel variants that can cross the species barrier to domestic poultry and human beings. Collectively, these findings highlight the relevance of avian species other than chickens, turkeys, and ducks in the dynamics of AI.…”