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CD46, a primate-specific receptor for measles virus
R E Dörig1, A Marcil, C D Richardson
1Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Council of Canada, Montréal.
Abstract:
Measles virus normally infects only primate cells. The receptor for measles virus has recently been shown to be the complement regulator CD46, also known as membrane cofactor protein. Transfection of rodent cells with human CD46 renders them susceptible to the virus, suggesting that transgenic animals may prove useful for testing antiviral agents and vaccines.
Insights
Measles virus infects primate cells using the CD46 receptor. Introducing human CD46 into rodent cells makes them susceptible, enabling new antiviral and vaccine testing models.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Measles virus (MeV) typically infects only primate cells.
- The cellular receptor for MeV has been identified as CD46 (membrane cofactor protein).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of CD46 as the measles virus receptor.
- To explore the potential of genetically modified animals for MeV research.
Main Methods:
- Transfection of rodent cells with the human CD46 gene.
- Assessing the susceptibility of transfected cells to measles virus infection.
Main Results:
- Rodent cells engineered to express human CD46 became susceptible to measles virus.
- This demonstrates CD46's crucial role in mediating measles virus entry.
Conclusions:
- CD46 is the primary receptor enabling measles virus entry into primate cells.
- Transgenic animals expressing human CD46 offer a promising platform for developing and evaluating measles antiviral therapies and vaccines.