The receptor-binding properties of H5N1 viruses isolated from cattle
A new study published in Nature presents compelling evidence that H5N1 viruses from bovine sources maintain a preferential binding to avian-type sialic acid receptors while demonstrating limited binding affinity for human-type receptors. Specifically, the authors characterize the receptor-binding properties of a clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 virus isolated from lactating dairy cattle. They emphasize that, while the virus displays weak interactions with α2,6-linked sialic acids - abundant in the upper respiratory tract of humans - this characteristic alone does not currently support efficient human-to-human transmission.
This limited affinity raises concerns regarding its potential for human transmission, particularly given the virus’s efficient replication in the mammary glands of cattle.
