Sialic acid receptor detection in the human respiratory tract: evidence for widespread distribution of potential binding sites for human and avian influenza viruses.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Influenza virus binds to cell receptors via sialic acid (SA) linked glycoproteins. They recognize SA on host cells through their haemagglutinins (H). The distribution of SA on cell surfaces is one determinant of host tropism and understanding its expression on human cells and tissues is important for understanding influenza pathogenesis. The objective of this study therefore was to optimize the detection of alpha2,3-linked and alpha2,6-linked SA by lectin histochemistry by investigating the binding of Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA) for SAalpha2,6Gal and Maackia amurensis agglutinin (MAA) for SAalpha2,3Gal in the respiratory tract of normal adults and children.

Methods

We used fluorescent and biotinylated SNA and MAA from different suppliers on archived and prospe

SUBMITTER: Nicholls JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2169242 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature