Identification of AXL as a co-receptor for human parvovirus B19 infection of human erythroid progenitors

Sci Adv. 2023 Jan 13;9(2):eade0869. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.ade0869. Epub 2023 Jan 11.

Abstract

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) infects human erythroid progenitor cells (EPCs) and causes several hematological disorders and fetal hydrops. Amino acid (aa) 5-68 of minor capsid protein VP1 (VP1u5-68aa) is the minimal receptor binding domain for B19V to enter EPCs. Here, we carried out a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 guide RNA screen and identified tyrosine protein kinase receptor UFO (AXL) as a proteinaceous receptor for B19V infection of EPCs. AXL gene silencing in ex vivo expanded EPCs remarkably decreased B19V internalization and replication. Additions of the recombinant AXL extracellular domain or a polyclonal antibody against it upon infection efficiently inhibited B19V infection of ex vivo expanded EPCs. Moreover, B19V VP1u interacted with the recombinant AXL extracellular domain in vitro at a relatively high affinity (KD = 103 nM). Collectively, we provide evidence that AXL is a co-receptor for B19V infection of EPCs.

MeSH terms

  • Axl Receptor Tyrosine Kinase* / metabolism
  • Capsid Proteins / genetics
  • Capsid Proteins / metabolism
  • Erythema Infectiosum* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Parvovirus B19, Human* / genetics
  • Parvovirus B19, Human* / metabolism
  • Protein Binding

Substances

  • Capsid Proteins
  • AXL protein, human
  • Axl Receptor Tyrosine Kinase