Human adenovirus binding to host cell receptors: a structural view

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Structural Biology
• Molecular Interactions

Background:

• Human Adenoviruses (HAdVs) are significant viral pathogens with broad clinical relevance.
• Understanding HAdV-host interactions is key for developing antiviral strategies and gene therapy vectors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review structural data on Human Adenovirus (HAdV) attachment and entry mechanisms.
• To highlight the diversity of HAdV receptors and their binding modes.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing structural data on HAdV-receptor interactions.
• Analysis of binding modes involving fibre knob and penton base proteins.

Main Results:

• HAdVs bind to distinct attachment receptors (e.g., CAR, CD46, GD1a, PSA, DSG-2) and integrin entry receptors.
• Structural analyses demonstrate symmetrical and asymmetrical binding modes.
• Receptor diversity explains the broad tropism of HAdVs.

Conclusions:

• Structural insights into HAdV receptor engagement are vital for therapeutic and vector design.
• Further structural studies are needed to address data imbalances for less-studied receptors.