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Updated: Jan 25, 2026

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Molecular Basis of Arthritogenic Alphavirus Receptor MXRA8 Binding to Chikungunya Virus Envelope Protein

Hao Song1, Zhennan Zhao2, Yan Chai3

  • 1Research Network of Immunity and Health (RNIH), Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.

Cell
|May 14, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) uses the MXRA8 receptor for cell entry. Structural studies reveal MXRA8 binds CHIKV

Area of Science:

  • Virology and Structural Biology
  • Molecular mechanisms of viral entry

Background:

  • Arthritogenic alphaviruses, including Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), cause significant global morbidity and economic burden due to rheumatic diseases.
  • MXRA8 has recently been identified as a critical cellular entry receptor for CHIKV.
  • Understanding the molecular interactions between CHIKV and MXRA8 is crucial for developing antiviral therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the structural basis of CHIKV binding to its receptor, MXRA8.
  • To provide atomic-level insights into the interaction interface for therapeutic target identification.

Main Methods:

  • X-ray crystallography was employed to determine the structures of mouse MXRA8, human MXRA8 complexed with CHIKV E protein, and CHIKV virus-like particles bound to human MXRA8.
  • Cryo-electron microscopy provided high-resolution structural data of the MXRA8-CHIKV complex.

Main Results:

  • MXRA8 possesses two Ig-like domains with distinct structural topologies.
  • The receptor binds within a 'canyon' formed by CHIKV E protein protomers on the virion surface.
  • Atomic interactions involve both MXRA8 domains and hinge region with CHIKV E1-E2 residues, and the stalk region is vital for viral entry.

Conclusions:

  • The detailed structural understanding of the MXRA8-CHIKV interaction provides a foundation for designing targeted antiviral strategies.
  • Identifying the critical role of the MXRA8 stalk region offers a new avenue for therapeutic intervention against CHIKV and related alphaviruses.
Keywords:
MXRA8adhesion moleculearthritogenic alphaviruschikungunya virusrecepor bindingvirus entry

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