An N-linked glycoprotein with alpha(2,3)-linked sialic acid is a receptor for BK virus.

Abstract

BK virus (BKV) is a common human polyomavirus infecting >80% of the population worldwide. Infection with BKV is asymptomatic, but reactivation in renal transplant recipients can lead to polyomavirus-associated nephropathy. In this report, we show that enzymatic removal of alpha(2,3)-linked sialic acid from cells inhibited BKV infection. Reconstitution of asialo cells with alpha(2,3)-specific sialyltransferase restored susceptibility to infection. Inhibition of N-linked glycosylation with tunicamycin reduced infection, but inhibition of O-linked glycosylation did not. An O-linked-specific alpha(2,3)-sialyltransferase was unable to restore infection in asialo cells. Taken together, these data indicate that an N-linked glycoprotein containing alpha(2,3)-linked sialic acid is a critical component of the cellular receptor for BKV.

• Authors: Aisling S Dugan, Sylvia Eash, Walter J Atwood
• Journal: Journal of virology (J Virol) Vol. 79 Issue 22 Pg. 14442-5 (Nov 2005) ISSN: 0022-538X [Print] United States
• PMID: 16254379 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Glycoproteins
• Receptors, Virus
• Tunicamycin
• Sialyltransferases
• Neuraminidase
• N-Acetylneuraminic Acid

Topics

• Animals
• Chlorocebus aethiops
• Glycoproteins (chemistry, physiology)
• N-Acetylneuraminic Acid (physiology)
• Neuraminidase
• Receptors, Virus (physiology)
• Sialyltransferases (metabolism)
• Tunicamycin (pharmacology)
• Vero Cells