Barron-Castillo U, Berube N, Swan CL, Javed MA, Au. Receptor profiling and growth assessment of influenza A virus in porcine mammary and non-mammary tissues and derived cells. J Virol. 2026 Jul 6:e0061526
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus clade 2.3.4.4b genotype B3.13 infected the mammary gland of dairy cattle; the new tissue tropism and host heightened concern about its ability to cross species barriers with zoonotic potential. Pigs play a key role in influenza A virus (IAV) adaptation, serving as a "mixing vessel" for the emergence of reassortants. The susceptibility of porcine mammary gland to HPAI infection remains unexplored. In this study, we profiled IAV receptors in porcine mammary gland as well as respiratory tract tissues. Additionally, we evaluated the binding capacity of IAVs to these tissues. Furthermore, we isolated primary cells from porcine mammary gland and respiratory tract, and immortalized them. We examined the growth potential of IAV isolates from bovine, avian, swine, and human on these cells. We showed that porcine mammary gland displays both SA-α2,3 and SA-α2,6, and that IAVs bind to mammary gland tissues with variable affinities. While bovine H5N1 virus replicates efficiently in mammary gland and respiratory tract cells, replication of other IAVs in mammary epithelial cells is moderate but is efficient in respiratory cells. These findings suggest that porcine mammary gland could support the infection by HPAI 2.3.4.4b genotype B3.13.
See Also:
Latest articles in those days:
- Avian Influenza Weekly Update # 1062: 18 September 2026 7 hours ago
- Effectiveness of the 2025-2026 seasonal influenza vaccine among U.S. veterans: an observational study 8 hours ago
- Streamlined CRISPR-based assays for detection and subtyping of H5 and H7 avian influenza 2 days ago
- Host-specific effects of a pandemic H1N1 M gene on canine H3N2 influenza virus replication and immune responses 2 days ago
- Rapid Decline of Nesting Peregrine Falcons in the San Francisco Bay Region of California Synchronous with an Outbreak of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza 2 days ago
[Go Top] [Close Window]


