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Title: Tyrosine kinase receptor Axl enhances entry of Zaire ebolavirus without direct interactions with the viral glycoprotein

Journal Article · · Virology
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  1. Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242 (United States)
  2. Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242 (United States)
  3. Molecular Physiology and Therapeutics Branch, National Dental and Craniofacial Research Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 (United States)

In a bioinformatics-based screen for cellular genes that enhance Zaire ebolavirus (ZEBOV) transduction, AXL mRNA expression strongly correlated with ZEBOV infection. A series of cell lines and primary cells were identified that require Axl for optimal ZEBOV entry. Using one of these cell lines, we identified ZEBOV entry events that are Axl-dependent. Interactions between ZEBOV-GP and the Axl ectodomain were not detected in immunoprecipitations and reduction of surface-expressed Axl by RNAi did not alter ZEBOV-GP binding, providing evidence that Axl does not serve as a receptor for the virus. However, RNAi knock down of Axl reduced ZEBOV pseudovirion internalization and {alpha}-Axl antisera inhibited pseudovirion fusion with cellular membranes. Consistent with the importance of Axl for ZEBOV transduction, Axl transiently co-localized on the surface of cells with ZEBOV virus particles and was internalized during virion transduction. In total, these findings indicate that endosomal uptake of filoviruses is facilitated by Axl.

OSTI ID:
21587872
Journal Information:
Virology, Vol. 415, Issue 2; Other Information: DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2011.04.002; PII: S0042-6822(11)00157-7; Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0042-6822
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English