T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 1 (TIM-1) is a receptor for Zaire Ebolavirus and Lake Victoria Marburgvirus

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011 May 17;108(20):8426-31. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1019030108. Epub 2011 May 2.

Abstract

The glycoproteins (GP) of enveloped viruses facilitate entry into the host cell by interacting with specific cellular receptors. Despite extensive study, a cellular receptor for the deadly filoviruses Ebolavirus and Marburgvirus has yet to be identified and characterized. Here, we show that T-cell Ig and mucin domain 1 (TIM-1) binds to the receptor binding domain of the Zaire Ebola virus (EBOV) glycoprotein, and ectopic TIM-1 expression in poorly permissive cells enhances EBOV infection by 10- to 30-fold. Conversely, reduction of cell-surface expression of TIM-1 by RNAi decreased infection of highly permissive Vero cells. TIM-1 expression within the human body is broader than previously appreciated, with expression on mucosal epithelia from the trachea, cornea, and conjunctiva--tissues believed to be important during in vivo transmission of filoviruses. Recognition that TIM-1 serves as a receptor for filoviruses on these mucosal epithelial surfaces provides a mechanistic understanding of routes of entry into the human body via inhalation of aerosol particles or hand-to-eye contact. ARD5, a monoclonal antibody against the IgV domain of TIM-1, blocked EBOV binding and infection, suggesting that antibodies or small molecules directed against this cellular receptor may provide effective filovirus antivirals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Binding Sites
  • Ebolavirus*
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola
  • Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 1
  • Humans
  • Marburgvirus*
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / analysis*
  • Mucous Membrane / chemistry
  • Protein Binding
  • Receptors, Virus / analysis*

Substances

  • HAVCR1 protein, human
  • Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 1
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Receptors, Virus