How a Virus Uses Chemokine Receptors to Move Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Vomaske Jennifer, Melnychuk Ryan M., Smith Patricia P., Powell Joshua, Hall Laurel, DeFilippis Victor, Früh Klaus, Smit Martine, Schlaepfer David D., Nelson Jay A., Streblow Daniel N.
Primary Institution: Oregon Health & Science University
Hypothesis
Does the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) chemokine receptor US28 mediate different migratory responses in various cell types depending on the ligand it binds?
Conclusion
The study shows that US28 binding to different chemokines leads to distinct migratory responses in smooth muscle cells and macrophages.
Supporting Evidence
- US28 binds multiple chemokines, including RANTES and Fractalkine.
- RANTES induces smooth muscle cell migration, while Fractalkine inhibits it.
- Fractalkine promotes macrophage migration through US28.
- Different G-proteins are activated depending on the ligand bound to US28.
Takeaway
This study found that a virus can trick cells into moving in different ways by using special signals, depending on which signal it grabs onto.
Methodology
The researchers used migration assays and signaling assays on cells expressing the US28 receptor to study how different ligands affect cell movement.
Limitations
The study was conducted in vitro, which may not fully replicate in vivo conditions.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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