Unravelling virus-host interactions of avian coronaviruses

The results obtained in chapter 2-5 of this thesis demonstrate that the amino acid sequence of the spike in combination with the presence of N-glycans on the spike affect binding to receptors and host cells (chapter 3 and 4), and might lead towards an altered tissue tropism in vivo. In particular, our studies on the glycan receptor specificity and affinity of three AvCoV pathotypes (chapters 2, 4 and 5) revealed both novel glycan receptors (chapter 5) and yet unidentified ligands used by avian coronaviruses (chapter 2 and 4). Such identification of virus-host interactions can significantly improve targeted and rational design of broadly neutralizing antibodies and/or vaccination strategies which can be of aid to combat these important viruses in poultry.