Structural Analysis of the Mechanism of Adenovirus Binding to Its Human Cellular Receptor, CAR

• DOI: 10.1126/science.286.5444.1579
• Publication Date: 2002-07-27T09:37:20Z
• Authors: Maria C. Bewley; Karen Springer; Yian-Biao Zhang; Paul Freimuth; John M. Flanagan
• Keywords: Tissue tropism; HEK 293 cells

Binding of virus particles to specific host cell surface receptors is known be an obligatory step in infection even though the molecular basis for these interactions not well characterized. The crystal structure adenovirus fiber knob domain complex with I its human cellular receptor, coxsackie and receptor (CAR), presented here. Surface-exposed loops on contact one face CAR, forming a high-affinity complex. Topology mismatches between interacting surfaces create interfacial solvent-filled cavities channels that may targets antiviral drug therapy. identifies key determinants binding specificity, which suggest ways modify tropism adenovirus-based gene therapy vectors.