Newcastle disease virus hijacks chicken red blood cells as dissemination vehicles with concomitant adsorption-mediated cell death

Red blood cells (RBCs) are the most abundant cell type in the blood and play a critical role as the primary carriers of oxygen to tissues and organs through blood circulation. The hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein on the surface of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) contains receptors that bind to the surface of RBCs, endowing NDV with agglutination properties that hold significant clinical diagnostic value. This raises an important question: could NDV bind to RBCs and use their carrier properties to facilitate transport to various tissues and organs? This study conducted both in vivo and in vitro experiments to confirm the adhesion and transport capabilities of chicken RBCs for the Newcastle disease virus. In addition, we found that NDV infection induces apoptosis in RBCs. These findings systematically explored the infection process of NDV in chicken RBCs and its subsequent effects, providing direct evidence of the potential role of chicken RBCs as a transport vehicle for the virus. This research offers a novel perspective on the mechanisms of NDV transmission.