Integrin alpha v beta 5 selectively promotes adenovirus mediated cell membrane permeabilization

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Medicine

Background:

• Human adenovirus type 2 (Ad2) utilizes receptor-mediated endocytosis for host cell entry.
• The virus penton base interacts with cell surface integrins, specifically alpha v beta 3 and alpha v beta 5, to initiate infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the distinct roles of integrins alpha v beta 3 and alpha v beta 5 in Ad2 infection.
• To determine the involvement of these integrins in Ad2-induced membrane permeabilization and viral entry.

Main Methods:

• Transfection of cells with beta 5 or beta 3 subunits to express alpha v beta 5 and alpha v beta 3 integrins.
• Assessing Ad2 infection susceptibility and membrane permeabilization in cells expressing different integrins.
• Evaluating adenovirus-mediated gene delivery efficiency.

Main Results:

• Cells expressing alpha v beta 5 showed significantly higher susceptibility to Ad2-induced membrane permeabilization and infection compared to those with alpha v beta 3.
• Adenovirus-mediated gene delivery was more efficient in cells expressing alpha v beta 5.
• Integrin alpha v beta 5 plays a crucial role in facilitating Ad2 penetration post-internalization.

Conclusions:

• Integrin alpha v beta 5 is critical for Ad2-induced membrane permeabilization, a key step in the viral infectious pathway.
• The interaction between Ad2 penton base and alpha v beta 5 enhances virus penetration and infection efficiency.
• This study identifies a novel biological role for integrin alpha v beta 5 in adenovirus pathogenesis.