Virulence-associated substitution D222G in the hemagglutinin of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus affects receptor binding

Salin Chutinimitkul, Sander Herfst, John Steel, Anice C. Lowen, Jianqiang Ye, Debby Van Riel, Eefje J.A. Schrauwen, Theo M. Bestebroer, Björn Koel, David F. Burke, Kyle H. Sutherland-Cash, Chris S. Whittleston, Colin A. Russell, David J. Wales, Derek J. Smith, Marcel Jonges, Adam Meijer, Marion Koopmans, Guus F. Rimmelzwaan, Thijs KuikenAlbert D.M.E. Osterhaus, Adolfo García-Sastre, Daniel R. Perez, Ron A.M. Fouchier

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

186 Scopus citations

Abstract

The clinical impact of the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus (pdmH1N1) has been relatively low. However, amino acid substitution D222G in the hemagglutinin of pdmH1N1 has been associated with cases of severe disease and fatalities. D222G was introduced in a prototype pdmH1N1 by reverse genetics, and the effect on virus receptor binding, replication, antigenic properties, and pathogenesis and transmission in animal models was investigated. pdmH1N1 with D222G caused ocular disease in mice without further indications of enhanced virulence in mice and ferrets. pdmH1N1 with D222G retained transmissibility via aerosols or respiratory droplets in ferrets and guinea pigs. The virus displayed changes in attachment to human respiratory tissues in vitro, in particular increased binding to macrophages and type II pneumocytes in the alveoli and to tracheal and bronchial submucosal glands. Virus attachment studies further indicated that pdmH1N1 with D222G acquired dual receptor specificity for complex α2,3- and α2,6-linked sialic acids. Molecular dynamics modeling of the hemagglutinin structure provided an explanation for the retention of α2,6 binding. Altered receptor specificity of the virus with D222G thus affected interaction with cells of the human lower respiratory tract, possibly explaining the observed association with enhanced disease in humans.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)11802-11813
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Virology
Volume84
Issue number22
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2010

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