Heparan sulfate proteoglycan and integrin (None commonly used for the pair; for individual molecules: HSPG (Heparan sulfate proteoglycan), various abbreviations for integrins (e.g., α5β1, αvβ3))

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are complex macromolecules composed of a core protein and covalently attached heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan chains, predominantly found on cell surfaces and in the extracellular matrix. Integrins are a family of transmembrane receptors that mediate adhesion between cells and the extracellular matrix or other cells, playing essential roles in signaling, migration, differentiation, and tissue maintenance. The interaction between heparan sulfate and integrins facilitates critical biological processes including cell adhesion, migration, signaling, and remodeling of the extracellular environment. This crosstalk is pivotal in developmental biology, cancer progression, immune responses, wound repair, and infectious disease—most notably in facilitating viral entry by exposing integrin-binding sites on viral proteins such as SARS-CoV-2 spike[4][5][6][1]. Disruption or modulation of these interactions offers multiple therapeutic opportunities, yet also poses risks due to the fundamental importance of HSPGs and integrins in normal physiology.

Other names

Heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG)Heparan sulfate (HS)Integrins (e.g., α5β1, αvβ3, α4β1)Heparin (closely related to heparan sulfate; used experimentally and pharmaceutically)Syndecan (a family of transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycans)Fibronectin (extracellular matrix protein that binds both integrins and HSPG)

Heparin: Blocks interaction between heparan sulfate/HSPG and biological ligands, modifies sulfation and ECM interactions. Integrin inhibitors: Block integrin-ECM binding (e.g., RGD peptide or antibodies), interfere with cell adhesion, migration, angiogenesis. Disruption of HSPG-integrin pathways: Reduces cell adhesion, viral entry (for SARS-CoV-2, inhibition of spike protein binding to HSPG/integrin)