Host cell surface adenovirus entry receptors

Host cell surface adenovirus entry receptors are a diverse group of molecules that mediate the attachment and internalization of human adenoviruses (HAdVs) into host cells. The primary attachment is typically mediated by the viral fiber knob protein binding to high-affinity receptors such as the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR), CD46 (membrane cofactor protein), or desmoglein 2 (DSG2), depending on the adenovirus species (Stasiak and Stehle, 2020; Zhang and Bergelson, 2005). Following attachment, secondary interactions between the viral penton base and host cell integrins (e.g., alpha-v beta-3 and alpha-v beta-5) trigger clathrin-mediated endocytosis and viral internalization (Wickham et al., 1993). These receptors are critical determinants of viral tropism and are exploited in the development of adenoviral vectors for gene therapy and oncolytic virotherapy (Arnberg, 2012). Targeting these receptors with small molecules like suramin, which acts as a decoy receptor for certain species, or with antibodies and soluble receptor decoys, represents a therapeutic strategy to prevent or treat adenovirus infections (Henning et al., 2019). Understanding the distribution and expression of these receptors is essential for predicting viral pathogenesis and optimizing the delivery of adenovirus-based therapeutics.

Other names

Adenovirus receptorsHAdV receptorsAdenoviral entry factorsCoxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR)CD46 (Membrane cofactor protein)Desmoglein 2 (DSG2)IntegrinsSialic acid receptors

Inhibition of viral attachment and internalization by blocking receptor-binding sites or acting as decoy receptors.