Identification of unusual truncated forms of nucleocapsid protein in MDCK cells infected by Avian influenza virus (H9N2).

Unusual truncated forms of nucleocapsid protein (NP) were identified in the lysate of MDCK cells infected by Avian influenza virus (H9N2) using MS-based proteomics approach. Moreover, O-sulfonation that was considered as an unusual modification was identified in one of the tryptic peptides from the truncated NP. The findings might have implications on better understanding on the role of nucleoprotein in Avian influenza virus-host interaction.