Avian influenza A viruses exhibit a strong preference for using α2,3‐linked sialic acid as a receptor. Until recently, the presumed lack of this receptor in human airways was believed to constitute an efficient barrier to avian influenza A virus infection of humans. Recent zoonotic outbreaks of avian influenza A virus have triggered researchers to analyse tissue distribution of sialic acid in further detail. Here, we review and extend the current knowledge about sialic acid distribution in human tissues, and discuss viruses with ocular tropism and their preference for α2,3‐linked sialic acid.

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A library of murine monoclonal antibodies against the prototype Enterovirus-70 (EV-70) strain, J670/71, was made for the purpose of studying the immunologically reactive determinants of the virus. Each of the monoclonal antibodies reacted with several other strains of Enterovirus-70 when tested by immunofluorescence. However, none of these monoclonal antibodies reacted with any other picornavirus tested. It was found that all of the monoclonal antibodies precipitated EV-70 viral proteins 1C and 1D in radio-immunoprecipitation assays. However, only one of these monoclonal antibodies, an IgG3 kappa, was capable of neutralizing the virus.

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Genetic studies of host susceptibility to infection contribute to our understanding of an organism's response to pathogens at the immunological, cellular, and molecular levels. In this review we describe how the study of host genetics in mouse models has helped our understanding of host defense mechanisms against viral infection, and how this knowledge can be extended to human infections. We focus especially on the innate mechanisms that function as the host's first line of defense against infection. We also discuss the main issues that confront this field, as well as its future.