E627V mutation in PB2 protein promotes the mammalian adaptation of novel H10N3 avian influenza virus

Since 2021, the novel H10N3 has caused four cases of human infection in China, the most recent of which occurred in December 2024, posing a potential threat to public health. Our previous studies indicated that several avian H10N3 strains are highly pathogenic in mice and can be transmitted between mammals via respiratory droplets without prior adaptation. By analyzing the genome sequence, we found that these H10N3 viruses carry the PB2-E627V mutation, which is becoming increasingly common in several subtypes of avian influenza viruses (AIV); however, its mechanism in mammalian adaptation remains unclear. Using a reverse genetics system, we investigated the role of PB2-E627V in the adaptation of H10N3 to mammals and poultry. Our findings demonstrate that the PB2-E627V mutation is critical for the high pathogenicity of novel H10N3 in mice and its ability to be transmitted through the air among mammals. Additionally, we found that the role of PB2-627 V in promoting AIV adaptation to mammals is comparable to that of PB2-627 K. More importantly, PB2-627 V appears to be equally suited to long-term persistence in poultry. Therefore, using PB2-627 V as a novel molecular marker to assess the epidemic potential of AIV is of great significance for preventing possible influenza pandemics in the future.