Goose Astrovirus Type 2 Causes Intestinal Injury and Disrupts Homeostasis in Goslings

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Gastroenterology
• Pathogenesis

Background:

• Goose astrovirus 2 (GAstV-2) causes significant mortality and economic losses in goslings, primarily affecting kidneys.
• Limited research exists on GAstV-2's impact on the digestive system, despite its fecal-oral transmission route.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate GAstV-2 localization, cellular targets, and effects on intestinal structure and homeostasis in orally infected goslings.

Main Methods:

• Oral infection of goslings with GAstV-2.
• Assessment of clinical signs, organ lesions, viral distribution, histopathology, intestinal cell populations, cytokine expression, and signaling pathways at 7 days post-infection.

Main Results:

• GAstV-2 was detected throughout the intestine, with highest loads in duodenal crypt cells.
• Infection caused crypt cell necrosis, reduced villus height, and decreased goblet cells and Lgr5+ stem cells.
• Notch signaling pathway modulation inhibited goblet cell differentiation, while proinflammatory cytokines were upregulated.

Conclusions:

• GAstV-2 targets duodenal crypt cells, disrupting intestinal epithelial renewal and barrier function.
• The virus triggers compensatory regenerative and immune responses.
• Findings offer insights into GAstV-2 intestinal pathogenesis and potential intervention targets for economic loss mitigation.