Synthesis of Asymmetric N-Glycans as Common Core Substrates for Structural Diversification through Selective Enzymatic Glycosylation.

N-glycans on the cell surface provide distinct signatures that are recognized by different glycan-binding proteins (GBPs) and pathogens. Most glycans in humans are asymmetric and isomeric, yet their biological functions are not well understood due to their lack of availability for studies. In this work, we have developed an improved strategy for asymmetric N-glycan assembly and diversification using designed common core substrates prepared chemically for selective enzymatic fucosylation and sialylation. The resulting 26 well-defined glycans that carry the sialic acid residue on different antennae were used in a microarray as a representative application to profile the binding specificity of hemagglutinin (HA) from the avian influenza virus (H5N2). We found distinct binding affinity for the Neu5Ac-Gal epitope linked to the N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) of different branches and only a minor effect in binding for the terminal galactose on different branches. Overall, the microarray analysis showed branch-biased and context-based recognition patterns.

Is the optimal pH for membrane fusion in host cells by avian influenza viruses related to host range and pathogenicity?

Influenza viruses isolated from wild ducks do not replicate in chickens. This fact is not explained solely by the receptor specificity of the hemagglutinin (HA) from such viruses for target host cells. To investigate this restriction in host range, the fusion activities of HA molecules from duck and chicken influenza viruses were examined. Influenza viruses A/duck/Mongolia/54/2001 (H5N2) (Dk/MNG) and A/chicken/Ibaraki/1/2005 (H5N2) (Ck/IBR), which replicate only in their primary hosts, were used. The optimal pH for membrane fusion of Ck/IBR was 5.9, higher than that of Dk/MNG at 4.9. To assess the relationship between the optimal pH for fusion and the host range of avian influenza viruses, the optimal pH for fusion of 55 influenza virus strains isolated from ducks and chickens was examined. No correlation was found between the host range and optimal pH for membrane fusion by the viruses, and this finding applied also to the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses. The optimal pH for membrane fusion for avian influenza viruses was shown to not necessarily be correlated with their host range or pathogenicity in ducks and chickens.

Molecular Characterizations of Surface Proteins Hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase from Recent H5Nx Avian Influenza Viruses.

UNLABELLED: During 2014, a subclade 2.3.4.4 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N8) virus caused poultry outbreaks around the world. In late 2014/early 2015, the virus was detected in wild birds in Canada and the United States, and these viruses also gave rise to reassortant progeny, composed of viral RNA segments (vRNAs) from both Eurasian and North American lineages. In particular, viruses were found with N1, N2, and N8 neuraminidase vRNAs, and these are collectively referred to as H5Nx viruses. In the United States, more than 48 million domestic birds have been affected. Here we present a detailed structural and biochemical analysis of the surface antigens of H5N1, H5N2, and H5N8 viruses in addition to those of a recent human H5N6 virus. Our results with recombinant hemagglutinin reveal that these viruses have a strict avian receptor binding preference, while recombinantly expressed neuraminidases are sensitive to FDA-approved and investigational antivirals. Although H5Nx viruses currently pose a low risk to humans, it is important to maintain surveillance of these circulating viruses and to continually assess future changes that may increase their pandemic potential. IMPORTANCE: The H5Nx viruses emerging in North America, Europe, and Asia pose a great public health concern. Here we report a molecular and structural study of the major surface proteins of several H5Nx influenza viruses. Our results improve the understanding of these new viruses and provide important information on their receptor preferences and susceptibilities to antivirals, which are central to pandemic risk assessment.