Cadherin-related family member 3 (CDHR3)

Cadherin-related family member 3 (CDHR3) is a transmembrane protein predominantly expressed in ciliated epithelial cells of the human respiratory tract. Structurally, it contains six extracellular cadherin domains, a transmembrane region, and a cytoplasmic tail. CDHR3 belongs to the cadherin superfamily, which are calcium-dependent cell adhesion proteins primarily involved in mediating cell-cell adhesion within epithelial tissues[4][5][8]. Although its full physiological role remains incompletely defined, CDHR3 has gained major clinical relevance as a cell-surface receptor for human rhinovirus C, a major cause of childhood respiratory infections and asthma exacerbations. Genetic variation, particularly a missense mutation (rs6967330, C529Y), is associated with increased risk for asthma in children, likely due to increased cell surface expression of CDHR3 and enhanced rhinovirus C binding[1][4][5]. CDHR3’s function in healthy tissue is hypothesized to parallel classical cadherins, mediating cell-cell adhesion and potentially participating in cell signaling and epithelial barrier maintenance[2][3][6].

Other names

CDHR3CDH28

Receptor for human rhinovirus C, enabling viral binding and replication in susceptible host cells[1][5].