Natural variant R246K in hemagglutinin increased zoonotic characteristics and renal inflammation in mice infected with H9N2 influenza virus

Considered a potential pandemic candidate, the widespread among poultry of H9N2 avian influenza viruses across Asia and North Africa pose an increasing threat to poultry and human health. The massive epidemic of H9N2 viruses has expanded the host range; however, the molecular basis and characteristic underlying the transmission to poultry and mammals remains unclear. Our previous study has proved that some natural mutations in the HA gene enhanced the binding ability of the H9N2 virus to α-2,6 SA receptors. Here, we systematically analyzed the impact of these natural mutations on zoonotic characteristics and the pathogenicity of H9N2 AIVs in poultry and mammals. Our study demonstrated that mutation R246K increased the replication in human lung epithelial cells in vitro. Mutation R246K increased the virus shedding of oropharyngeal swabs during early-stage infection in chickens. Moreover, mutation R246K displayed stronger pH stability and pathogenicity in mice. The strong renal tropism and inflammatory response may accelerate the pathogenicity. In summary, we found that natural variation R246K in HA of prevalent H9N2 in China promoted the transmissibility in chicken and accelerate the pathogenicity in mice, posing a great concern for zoonotic and pandemic emergence.