Protein expression and receptor binding specificity of porcine P[19] rotavirus VP8*

Objective To explore the receptor binding specificity of VP8* protein of porcine P[19] rotaviruses (RVs) with oligosaccharides. Methods The porcine P[19] VP8* protein was expressed and purified. The receptor binding specificity of P[19] VP8* was analyzed by oligosaccharide binding and saliva binding assay. Results The P[19] VP8* protein showed significant binding to mucin cores, especially mucin core 2. Conclusions Mucin core 2 may be a potential receptor for the porcine P[19] RV, which provides certain basis for the study of virus infection mechanism and RV surveillance. Key words: Rotavirus; VP8*; Histo-blood group antigen; Mucin; Receptor binding