Adenovirus receptor

Adenovirus receptors are a diverse group of cell-surface molecules that facilitate the attachment and internalization of various adenovirus serotypes into host cells [1, 2]. The primary attachment receptor for most adenoviruses (except group B) is the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR, encoded by CXADR), a transmembrane protein involved in cell-cell adhesion and signaling [6, 20]. Group B adenoviruses primarily utilize CD46 (membrane cofactor protein) or desmoglein-2 (DSG2) for attachment [1, 11]. Following initial binding, secondary interactions between the viral penton base and cell-surface integrins (such as alpha-v beta-3 and alpha-v beta-5) trigger receptor-mediated endocytosis, allowing the virus to enter the cell [2, 13]. These receptors are critical determinants of viral tropism and are extensively exploited as targets for gene therapy vectors and oncolytic viruses [2, 10]. While no small-molecule drugs are currently approved to specifically inhibit these receptors for treating infections, they serve as essential biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of adenovirus-based therapeutics [10, 29]. Additionally, experimental strategies such as soluble receptors and monoclonal antibodies are being investigated to block these entry pathways in severe infections [19, 23].

Other names

Coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptorCARCXADRCD46Desmoglein-2DSG2IntegrinsHeparan sulfate proteoglycansSialic acidCD80CD86VCAM-1MHC class I

Adenovirus receptors facilitate viral attachment and entry through specific interactions with viral capsid proteins, such as the fiber knob and penton base [1, 2]. Drugs and vectors targeting these receptors work by either utilizing them for cell entry (in the case of gene therapy and oncolytic viruses) or by blocking these interactions to prevent infection (in the case of experimental inhibitors) [4, 16].