The Spike Glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 Binds to β1 Integrins Expressed on the Surface of Lung Epithelial Cells |
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| Authors: | Eun Jeong Park Phyoe Kyawe Myint Michael Gyasi Appiah Samuel Darkwah Siqingaowa Caidengbate Atsushi Ito Eri Matsuo Eiji Kawamoto Arong Gaowa Motomu Shimaoka |
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| Affiliation: | 1.Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-City 514-8507, Mie, Japan; (P.K.M.); (M.G.A.); (S.D.); (S.C.); (A.I.); (E.M.); (E.K.); (A.G.);2.Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-City 514-8507, Mie, Japan;3.Department of Emergency and Disaster Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-City 514-8507, Mie, Japan |
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| Abstract: | The spike glycoprotein attached to the envelope of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) binds to and exploits angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as an entry receptor to infect pulmonary epithelial cells. A subset of integrins that recognize the arginyl–glycyl–aspartic acid (RGD) sequence in the cognate ligands has been predicted in silico to bind the spike glycoprotein and, thereby, to be exploited for viral infection. Here, we show experimental evidence that the β1 integrins predominantly expressed on human pulmonary epithelial cell lines and primary mouse alveolar epithelial cells bind to this spike protein. The cellular β1 integrins support adhesive interactions with the spike protein independently of ACE2, suggesting the possibility that the β1 integrins may function as an alternative receptor for SARS-CoV-2, which could be targeted for the prevention of viral infections. |
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| Keywords: | SARS-CoV-2 spike 1 protein angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 integrin cell adhesion alveolar epithelial cells |
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