Identification of alpha-dystroglycan as a receptor for lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and Lassa fever virus.

Cao, W; Henry, M D; Borrow, P; Yamada, H; Elder, J H; Ravkov, E V; Nichol, S T; Compans, R W et al. · Science · 1998

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

A peripheral membrane protein that is interactive with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) was purified from cells permissive to infection. Tryptic peptides from this protein were determined to be alpha-dystroglycan (alpha-DG). Several strains of LCMV and other arenaviruses, including Lassa fever virus (LFV), Oliveros, and Mobala, bound to purified alpha-DG protein. Soluble alpha-DG blocked both LCMV and LFV infection. Cells bearing a null mutation of the gene encoding DG were resistant to LCMV infection, and reconstitution of DG expression in null mutant cells restored susceptibility to LCMV infection. Thus, alpha-DG is a cellular receptor for both LCMV and LFV.

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