Modified Sialic Acids on Mucus and Erythrocytes Inhibit Influenza A Virus Hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase Functions
Karen N. Barnard, Brynn K. Alford-Lawrence, David W. Buchholz, Brian R. Wasik, Justin R. LaClair, Hai Yu, Rebekah Honce, Stefan Rühl, Petar Pajic, Erin K. Daugherity, Xi Chen, Stacey Schultz‐Cherry, Hector C. Aguilar, Ajit Varki, Colin R. Parrish
Abstract
Sialic acids (Sia) are involved in numerous different cellular functions and are receptors for many pathogens. Sia come in chemically modified forms, but we lack a clear understanding of how they alter interactions with microbes. Here, we examine the expression of modified Sia in mouse tissues, on secreted mucus in saliva, and on erythrocytes, including those from IAV host species and animals used in IAV research. These Sia forms varied considerably among different animals, and their inhibitory effects on IAV NA and HA activities and on bacterial sialidases (neuraminidases) suggest a host-variable protective role in secreted mucus.