Enterovirus 70 receptor utilization is controlled by capsid residues that also regulate host range and...

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Enterovirus 70 (EV70) causes acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis.
• EV70 may utilize different cellular receptors based on cell type.
• Understanding EV70-receptor interactions is crucial for controlling viral spread.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying EV70 receptor utilization and host range.
• To identify specific viral components responsible for differential cell tropism and cytopathogenicity.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of two EV70 variants (EV70-Rmk and EV70-Dne) with distinct receptor usage.
• Viral passage in different cell lines (rhesus monkey kidney, HeLa, human eye, brain, and conjunctiva-derived cells).
• Genetic analysis involving amino acid substitutions in the viral capsid.

Main Results:

• EV70-Rmk and EV70-Dne exhibit distinct replication patterns and receptor utilization.
• Decay Accelerating Factor (DAF) is a sufficient cell entry receptor for EV70-Dne but not EV70-Rmk.
• Five amino acid changes in the EV70 capsid correlate with altered host range, DAF utilization, and cytopathogenicity.

Conclusions:

• A specific region within the EV70 capsid, defined by five amino acid residues, governs viral host range, DAF binding, and cytopathic effects.
• Targeting these capsid residues could offer strategies for controlling EV70 infections.