Background: Human Siglec-1 mediates HIV trans-infection by interaction with virion-associated sialylated gangliosides.Results: Here, Siglec-1 on mouse macrophages mediated trans-infection of surface-bound MLV. This could be inhibited by biosynthetic modification of sialic acids' N-acyl side chain in virus-producer cells.Conclusion: The N-acyl side chain is a critical determinant of Siglec-1-dependent MLV trans-infection.Significance: Glycoengineering allows manipulation of sialic acid-dependent virus/receptor interactions.
