Molecular Basis for the Differential Function of HAVCR1 Mucin Variants

Background/Objectives: The hepatitis A virus (HAV) cellular receptor 1 (HAVCR1) is a type I integral membrane glycoprotein discovered in monkeys and humans as a HAV receptor. HAVCR1 contains an N-terminal immunoglobulin-like variable domain (IgV) followed by a mucin-like domain (Muc), a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic tail with a canonical tyrosine kinase phosphorylation site. The IgV binds phosphatidylserine on apoptotic cells, extracellular vesicles, and enveloped viruses. Insertions/deletions at position 156 (156ins/del) of the Muc were associated in humans with susceptibility to atopic, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. However, the molecular basis for the differential function of the HAVCR1 variants is not understood. Methods: We used mutagenesis, apoptotic cell binding, and signal transduction analyses to study the role of the 156ins/del in the function of HAVCR1. Results: We found that the HAVCR1 variant without insertions at position 156 (156delPMTTTV, or short-HAVCR1) bound more apoptotic cells than that containing a six amino acid insertion (156insPMTTTV, or long-HAVCR1). Furthermore, short-HAVCR1 induced stronger cell signaling and phagocytosis than long-HAVCR1. Conclusions: Our data indicated that the 156ins/del determine how the IgV is presented at the cell surface and modulate HAVCR1 binding, signaling, and phagocytosis, suggesting that variant-specific targeting could be used as therapeutic interventions to treat immune and infectious diseases.