A potential role for integrins in host cell entry by SARS-CoV-2
Christian J A Sigrist, Alan Bridge, Philippe Le Mercier
Abstract
• Integrin may act as an alternative receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and could be implicated in its transmission and pathology. • The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 acquired a RGD motif known to bind integrins. This motif is absent from other coronaviruses. • The integrin-binding motif is present at the surface of the spike protein, close to the ACE2 receptor-binding region. • Integrin binding may be a promising therapeutics target, and should be tested experimentally.
Topics & Concepts
IntegrinRGD motifReceptorCoronavirusSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Cell biologyCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)BiologyMotif (music)Spike ProteinVirologyGeneticsMedicineInfectious disease (medical specialty)PathologyDiseasePhysicsAcousticsSARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 ResearchCOVID-19 Clinical Research StudiesPhagocytosis and Immune Regulation