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The Q226H Mutation in Avian H5N1 Hemagglutinin Mediates a Path towards Structural Adaptation in Humans

Edwards, R. A.; Adu, O. F.; Tchesnokov, E. P.; Kocincova, D.; Woolner, E.; Turner, Z.; Bui, D. T.; Mahal, L. K.; Zelyas, N.; Klassen, J. S.; Drabovich, A. P.; Das, K.; Gotte, M.

2026-05-26 immunology
10.64898/2026.05.21.726965 bioRxiv
Show abstract

The global outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) among birds and the spillover to mammals increases the risk for humans. A recent case in British Columbia with a clade 2.3.4.4b H5 virus infection revealed a mixture of 226Q/H in the receptor-binding site of hemagglutinin. While significant changes in pre-existing immunity by H1 or H3 polyclonal sera are not evident, we show that the Q226H mutation enables binding to human-type a2-6 sialic acid receptors. High-resolution cryo-EM structures provide a basis for the alteration in receptor preference and show that a possible path towards human adaptation also requires a conformational change of the bound a2-6-sialylated glycan. Continued surveillance for additional mutations that could enhance this phenotype is warranted.

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