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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Flow Virometry to Analyze Antigenic Spectra of Virions and Extracellular Vesicles
Published on: January 25, 2017
Identification of Echovirus 1 and coxsackievirus A9 receptor molecules via a novel flow cytometric quantification
M Triantafilou1, K M Wilson, K Triantafilou
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Essex, United Kingdom.
Background:
Virus-receptor binding is an essential step in every virus infectious process. Many viruses employ more than one receptor molecule or even receptor complexes for attachment. In this study, we investigate the binding of Echovirus 1 (Echo1) and Coxsackievirus A9 (CAV-9) on cell surface molecules. CAV-9 has been reported to utilize integrin alpha v beta(3) in binding to cells, whereas Echo1 has been known to utilize integrin alpha 2 beta(1). METHODS AND RESULTS We directly test whether the presence of these molecules alone was sufficient for virus binding. We devised a novel flow cytometric binding assay that enables us to quantify virus particles bound on host cells and to further determine the extent to which viruses utilize specific receptors.
Conclusions:
By quantifying virus particles and possible receptor molecules, we found that Echo1 utilizes mainly integrin alpha 2 beta(1). CAV-9 utilizes integrin alpha v beta(3) to a much lesser extent (40%), indicating that CAV-9 also utilizes other receptor(s).
Insights
Echovirus 1 primarily uses integrin alpha 2 beta(1) for cell attachment. Coxsackievirus A9 shows partial (40%) reliance on integrin alpha v beta(3), suggesting other receptors are involved in its binding.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Virus-receptor interactions are critical for infection.
- Viruses can utilize multiple receptors or receptor complexes for attachment.
- Echovirus 1 (Echo1) and Coxsackievirus A9 (CAV-9) are studied for their specific receptor usage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific cell surface molecules utilized by Echo1 and CAV-9 for binding.
- To determine if known receptors are sufficient for virus attachment.
- To quantify the extent of virus utilization of specific receptors.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel flow cytometry binding assay.
- Quantification of virus particles bound to host cells.
- Assessment of virus utilization of specific host cell receptors.
Main Results:
- Echo1 binding is predominantly mediated by integrin alpha 2 beta(1).
- CAV-9 binding to integrin alpha v beta(3) accounts for only 40% of its attachment.
- This indicates that CAV-9 employs additional, yet unidentified, receptors.
Conclusions:
- Echo1's primary receptor is integrin alpha 2 beta(1).
- CAV-9 utilizes integrin alpha v beta(3) to a limited degree, necessitating other receptors for full binding.
- Further research is needed to identify the additional receptors used by CAV-9.
