Co-expression of sialic acid receptors compatible with avian and human influenza virus binding in emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae).
Influenza A viruses (IAVs) continue to threaten animal and human health with constant emergence of novel variants. While aquatic birds are a major reservoir of most IAVs, the role of other terrestrial birds in the evolution of IAVs is becoming increasingly evident. Since 2006, several reports of IAV isolations from emus have surfaced and avian influenza infection of emus can lead to the selection of mammalian like PB2-E627K and PB2-D701N mutants. However, the potential of emus to be co-infected with avian and mammalian IAVs is not yet understood. As a first step, we investigated sialic acid (SA) receptor distribution across major organs and body systems of emu and found a widespread co-expression of both SAα2,3Gal and SAα2,6Gal receptors in various tissues that are compatible with avian and human IAV binding. Our results suggest that emus could allow genetic recombination and hence play an important role in the evolution of IAVs.
National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad, India.
Naveen
N
Gujjar
Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
Shubhada K
SK
Chothe
National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad, India.
Shashikant
S
Gawai
Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
Ruth
R
Nissly
Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
Gitanjali
G
Bhushan
National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad, India; Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India.
Vijayarani
V
Kanagaraj
Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
Bhushan M
BM
Jayarao
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India.
Kumanan
K
Kathaperumal
National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad, India. Electronic address: madhuri@niab.org.in.
Madhuri
M
Subbiah
Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA. Electronic address: skuchipudi@psu.edu.
Suresh V
SV
Kuchipudi
D000818:Animals; D020312:Dromaiidae / Q000821:virology*; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D005585:Influenza in Birds / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000821:virology; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000821:virology; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011991:Receptors, Virus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D053585:Virus Attachment
D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D011991:Receptors, Virus; C092488:sialic acid receptor
Avian influenza; Emu; Genetic re-assortment; Influenza receptors; Interspecies transmission; Lectin histochemistry; Mixing vessel; Pandemic influenza strains; SA receptors