Cadherin-related family member 3 (CDHR3) (CDHR3)

Cadherin-related family member 3 (CDHR3) is a transmembrane protein belonging to the cadherin superfamily, primarily expressed in the airway epithelium (UniProt Q86VE1). It functions as a calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion molecule and plays a critical role in the differentiation and assembly of ciliated airway cells (Everman et al., 2019). CDHR3 is most notably recognized as the primary receptor for Rhinovirus C (RV-C), a virus species strongly linked to severe wheezing and asthma exacerbations in children (Bochkov et al., 2014). A specific genetic variant, the rs6967330 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) resulting in a Cys529Tyr substitution, increases CDHR3 surface expression and enhances RV-C binding and replication (Bonnelykke et al., 2014). Because of its central role in viral entry, CDHR3 is a high-priority therapeutic target for preventing RV-C-induced asthma attacks. Current research focuses on developing monoclonal antibodies or small molecules that can block the interaction between the RV-C capsid and the CDHR3 extracellular domains.

Other names

CDH28Cadherin-like protein 28FLJ43382

CDHR3 acts as the cellular receptor for Rhinovirus C (RV-C). Therapeutic strategies aim to block the viral binding site on the extracellular domains of CDHR3, thereby preventing viral attachment, entry, and subsequent replication in airway epithelial cells (Bochkov et al., 2014).