Sialic acid serves as a functional receptor for grass carp reovirus.

ABSTRACT: Grass carp reovirus (GCRV) causes hemorrhagic disease and substantial economic losses in the aquaculture of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), a commercially important fish species in China. Although viral entry depends on interactions between viral proteins and host receptors, the specific host molecules mediating this process have not been fully elucidated. Here, we identify cell surface sialic acid (SA) as a critical functional receptor for GCRV. Enzymatic removal of SA markedly impaired viral attachment and infection. Competitive inhibition using SA-binding lectins or soluble SA confirmed that GCRV targets SA moieties on host cells. Genetic knockdown of SA biosynthesis attenuated viral binding and replication, whereas overexpression of SA pathway genes enhanced susceptibility. Surfa

SUBMITTER: Wang Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12431662 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature