Adeno-associated virus receptors and attachment factors (AAV receptors)

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) receptors and attachment factors are a diverse group of cell-surface molecules that facilitate the binding and internalization of AAV capsids into host cells. This process typically involves a two-step mechanism: initial low-affinity attachment to glycans followed by high-affinity binding to a proteinaceous entry receptor. Primary attachment factors include heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG), sialic acid, and galactose, which vary in usage across different AAV serotypes [2, 3]. The most critical protein receptor identified is the Adeno-associated virus receptor (AAVR, also known as KIAA0319L), which is essential for the entry of most AAV serotypes by facilitating trafficking from the cell surface to the Golgi apparatus [1]. Other co-receptors, such as GPR108, FGFR1, c-Met, and various integrins, further modulate the efficiency and specificity of viral entry [4, 6]. Understanding these interactions is vital for the development of AAV-based gene therapies, as receptor distribution determines viral tropism and overall therapeutic efficacy [5]. Citations: [1] Pillay, S., et al. (2016). Nature. [2] Summerford, C., & Samulski, R. J. (1998). Journal of Virology. [3] Bell, C. L., et al. (2011). Journal of Virology. [4] Dudek, A. M., et al. (2018). Molecular Therapy. [5] Mingozzi, F., & High, K. A. (2011). Nature Reviews Genetics. [6] Qing, K., et al. (1999). Nature Medicine.

Other names

AAV entry factorsAdeno-associated virus receptorAAVRKIAA0319LHeparan sulfate proteoglycanHSPGSialic acid receptorsGalactose receptorsGPR108FGFR1c-MetIntegrin alpha-V beta-537/67 kDa Laminin receptor

AAV capsids utilize cell-surface glycans for initial attachment followed by high-affinity binding to proteinaceous receptors to trigger receptor-mediated endocytosis and retrograde transport to the nucleus.