Different receptor specificity of influence viruses from ducks and chickens and its reflection in the composition of sialosides on host cells and mucins

The ability of influenza viruses from different hosts to bind to the intestinal epithelium of various birds (Anseriformes (Anatidae), Galliformes, Charadriiformes (sandpipers and sea gulls), Ciconiiformes (storks), Podicipediformes (grebes), and Gruiformes was studied. The composition of sialo-containing receptors on the epithelia was examined, by using lectins. Intestinal epitheliocytes of the Anatidae (Anseriformes) family was shown to have a low content of receptors binding both Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA) lectin specific to Siaalpha-6Gal, and Maackia amurensis agglutinin (MAA) lection specific to Siaalpha2-2Gal. Nevertheless, these cells well bound duck influenza viruses. The intestinal epithelium of Ciconiiformes, Podicipediformes, and Gruiformes well bound MMA lection, but avian influenza viruses weakly bound the latter. The intestinal cells of Gallinaceae bound both MMA and SNA lectins and avian and human influenza viruses. Thus, the composition of natural sialosides is different in various avian species whereas the receptor specificity of influenza viruses from various hosts reflects these differences. This can be accounted for by the differences in the ability of influenza viruses from different birds to break through the interspecies barrier, infecting mammals and human beings in particular.