A Unique Human Norovirus Lineage with a Distinct HBGA Binding Interface

PLoS Pathog. 2015 Jul 6;11(7):e1005025. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005025. eCollection 2015 Jul.

Abstract

Norovirus (NoV) causes epidemic acute gastroenteritis in humans, whereby histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) play an important role in host susceptibility. Each of the two major genogroups (GI and GII) of human NoVs recognizes a unique set of HBGAs through a distinct binding interface that is conserved within a genogroup, indicating a distinct evolutionary path for each genogroup. Here, we characterize a Lewis a (Lea) antigen binding strain (OIF virus) in the GII.21 genotype that does not share the conserved GII binding interface, revealing a new evolution lineage with a distinct HBGA binding interface. Sequence alignment showed that the major residues contributing to the new HBGA binding interface are conserved among most members of the GII.21, as well as a closely related GII.13 genotype. In addition, we found that glycerol inhibits OIF binding to HBGAs, potentially allowing production of cheap antivirals against human NoVs. Taken together, our results reveal a new evolutionary lineage of NoVs selected by HBGAs, a finding that is important for understanding the diversity and widespread nature of NoVs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Binding Sites / genetics
  • Biological Evolution
  • Blood Group Antigens / metabolism*
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • Norovirus / genetics*
  • Phylogeny
  • Protein Binding / genetics
  • Protein Conformation
  • Viral Proteins / chemistry*
  • Viral Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism
  • Virus Attachment*

Substances

  • Blood Group Antigens
  • Viral Proteins

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AY675554
  • PDB/4RLZ
  • PDB/4RM0