Role of the sialophorin (CD43) receptor in mediating influenza A virus- induced polymorphonuclear leukocyte dysfunction

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) exposed to influenza A virus (IAV) undergo activation of the respiratory burst followed by depression of cell function when subsequently exposed to particulate or soluble stimuli. The effect of IAV on PMNLs is likely to be mediated through the attachment of IAV to one or more specific receptors. Recently, IAV has been shown to bind to the sialophorin protein (CD43) receptor on PMNL plasma membranes. The present study was performed to determine if the sialophorin receptor was responsible for IAV-induced PMNL dysfunction. When PMNLs were incubated with IAV or CD43 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) for 30 minutes and then exposed to a secondary particulate (opsonized zymosan) or soluble (FMLP or phorbol 12- myristate 13-acetate) stimulus, there was significant depression of the PMNL chemiluminescence response compared with the equivalent control (P < .05). When PMNL were incubated with the CD43 MoAb and then cross- linked with a goat antimouse IgG antibody, no depression of PMNL function occurred upon secondary stimulation. Exposure of cells to IAV aggregates also eliminated the PMNL dysfunction that normally occurs due to the virus. Similar to IAV, PMNL dysfunction due to the CD43 MoAb could be overcome by priming the cells with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. These findings indicate that IAV-induced PMNL dysfunction is mediated, at least in part, through the sialophorin receptor.