Figure 6. Glycan receptor distribution in ferret respiratory tract.

Shown in the figure is the glycan receptor distribution in ferret in ferret trachea (A) and lung hilar region (B) based on lectin staining patterns. The glycan receptor motifs are shown in cartoon representation (see Table S1 for cartoon key). Note that predominant α2–6 glycan receptors recognized by human influenza A viruses are found in the submucosal glands of trachea and lung hilum. Further, unlike human respiratory tract, there is minimal to no α2–3 sialylated glycan receptor expression in the lung hilar region of ferret. Except for differences in the number of goblet cells in ferret cranial and caudal region, there were no significant differences in the glycan receptor expression. The apical surface is marked with a black arrow.