Ephrin-B2 expression critically influences Nipah virus infection independent of its cytoplasmic tail
2008
Ephrin-B2's Role in Nipah Virus Infection
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Lena Thiel, Sandra Diederich, Stephanie Erbar, Dennis Pfaff, Hellmut G Augustin, Andreas Maisner
Primary Institution: Institute of Virology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
Hypothesis
Does the expression level of ephrin-B2 influence Nipah virus infection?
Conclusion
Increased expression of ephrin-B2 reduces Nipah virus infection by interfering with virus entry and cell-to-cell fusion.
Supporting Evidence
- Transfection of increasing EB2 plasmid concentrations reduced cell-to-cell fusion.
- Increased EB2 expression significantly reduced the total amount of NiV-infected cells.
- Tail-truncated EB2 functioned as a receptor for NiV, indicating that signaling is not necessary for receptor function.
- Overexpression of EB2 led to downregulation of NiV glycoproteins on the cell surface.
Takeaway
When there are too many ephrin-B2 proteins on the cell surface, it makes it harder for the Nipah virus to enter and spread between cells.
Methodology
The study involved transfecting cells with varying amounts of ephrin-B2 and analyzing the effects on Nipah virus entry and cell-to-cell fusion.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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