Human adenovirus 37 (HAdV-37)

Human adenovirus 37 (HAdV-D37) is a non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the species Human mastadenovirus D. It is a primary causative agent of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), a severe and highly contagious ocular infection characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea. Unlike many other adenoviruses that use the coxsackie-adenovirus receptor (CAR), HAdV-D37 primarily attaches to host cells by binding to sialic acid-containing glycans (specifically GD1a) via the knob domain of its fiber protein. This interaction is a key target for the development of entry inhibitors, such as sialic acid mimetics and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) mimetics like suramin. Beyond ocular disease, HAdV-D37 is also associated with genital infections and has been linked to adipogenesis and obesity in experimental models. Currently, there are no FDA-approved antivirals specifically for HAdV-D37, and clinical management often relies on off-label use of broad-spectrum DNA polymerase inhibitors like cidofovir.

Other names

HAdV-D37Ad37Adenovirus serotype 37Human mastadenovirus D serotype 37

Inhibition of viral DNA polymerase; Inhibition of viral attachment to host cell receptors; Inhibition of viral protease and egress