Rachel Phillips, etc.,al. [preprint]Exploring influenza A virus receptor distribution in the lactating mammary gland of domesticated livestock and in human breast tissue. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.04.16.649193
The spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus among dairy cattle illustrates the adaptability of influenza A viruses (IAV) to infect non-traditional species. While IAV-specific sialic acid (SA) receptors have been identified in the mammary glands of dairy cattle, their presence in pigs, sheep, goats, and alpacas has not been studied until now. The zoonotic transmission of HPAI H5N1 to dairy and poultry farm workers during outbreaks raises public health concerns. This study employed lectin histochemistry to examine the mammary glands of livestock and humans. We found that these tissues were rich in SA α2,6-Gal receptors, followed by SA α2,3-Gal receptors, essential for IAV binding. Notably, the A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus could bind to mammary tissue from both cattle and pigs. These findings highlight the potential for HPAI H5N1 to infect and spread within the mammary glands of production animals and humans.
See Also:
Latest articles in those days:
- Evolution of H5N1 Cross-Species Transmission: Adaptive Mutations Driving Avian-to-Human Infection 12 hours ago
- Novel recombinant H5-based vaccine provides effective protection against H5N1 influenza virus in cats 12 hours ago
- Avian Influenza Weekly Update # 1028: 09 January 2026 12 hours ago
- Fatal H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza with Retrograde Neuroinvasion in a Free-Ranging Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) During a Wild Bird Outbreak in South Korea 2 days ago
- Extended Heterosubtypic Neutralization and Preclinical Model In Vivo Protection from Clade 2.3.4.4b H5 Influenza Virus Infection by Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies 2 days ago
[Go Top] [Close Window]


