MULTIPLE GLYCOSPHINGOLIPIDS DETERMINE THE TISSUE TROPISM OF PARVOVIRUS B19

Infection with human parvovirus B19, the etiologic agent of fifth dise ase, is associated with numerous hematologic and nonhematologic compli cations. Recently, the receptor for parvovirus B19 was reported to be globoside (Gb4), a neutral glycosphingolipid (GSL) of red cell membran es. To ascertain if tissue Gb4 expression correlates with B19-associat ed disease, neutral GSLs from 16 human tissues were isolated and analy zed using high-performance thin-layer chromatography and immunostainin g with anti-Gb4 monoclonal antibodies or B19 empty capsids. Gb4 was id entified as a major neutral GSL in 11 tissues, especially in those of mesodermal origin. In addition to recognizing Gb4, B19 capsid bound to several tissue-specific GSLs, including two complex globe series GSLs (SSEA-S, SSEA-4) and paragloboside (neolactotetraglycosylceramide), a s was demonstrated in red cell, granulocyte, kidney, liver, and bowel tissue. There was good correlation between tissue-neutral GSL expressi on, B19 capsid binding, and the tissue tropism observed clinically in B19 parvovirus-associated disease.