Quantitative Assessment of Newcastle Disease Virus Proteins Interactions with All Known Mucin Types of Chicken and Quail

Abstract

Background: Newcastle Disease (ND), caused by the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) poses a significant threat to poultry, leading to severe economic losses. Understanding the molecular interactions between NDV proteins and avian mucins is crucial for developing targeted interventions. Materials and Methods: In this study, twelve NDV proteins were systematically assessed for their interactions with sixteen quail and eight chicken mucin types, revealing diverse and species-specific binding patterns. Results: High-affinity interactions between mucins (Muc5A, Muc5B and Muc6) and NDV hemagglutinin-neuraminidase, was observed in addition to significant interactions with NDV fusion glycoprotein. Notably, chicken Muc4 displayed mid-range interactions exclusively with NDV fusion glycoprotein, highlighting potential species-specific differences in viral entry mechanisms between quails and chickens. Furthermore, the study investigated the number of binding sites on NDV proteins and chicken/ quail mucins. Chicken Muc5B emerged as a standout with the highest number (20) of binding sites, suggesting its crucial role in NDV infection. The binding site analysis identified key regions in NDV fusion glycoprotein and hemagglutinin-neuraminidase, indicating potential targets for vaccine development. Conclusion: This study provides a foundation for future research into optimizing diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies for NDV infections. Validation of these interactions with real-world clinical data, coupled with an exploration of tissue-specific mucin expression patterns, could further enhance our understanding of host-virus dynamics. The identified interactions offer promising avenues for developing vaccines that target specific binding sites, thereby contributing to the effective control and prevention of Newcastle Disease in poultry populations.