The tumor-associated marker, PVRL4 (nectin-4), is the epithelial receptor for morbilliviruses

Viruses. 2014 Jun 2;6(6):2268-86. doi: 10.3390/v6062268.

Abstract

PVRL4 (nectin-4) was recently identified as the epithelial receptor for members of the Morbillivirus genus, including measles virus, canine distemper virus and peste des petits ruminants virus. Here, we describe the role of PVRL4 in morbillivirus pathogenesis and its promising use in cancer therapies. This discovery establishes a new paradigm for the spread of virus from lymphocytes to airway epithelial cells and its subsequent release into the environment. Measles virus vaccine strains have emerged as a promising oncolytic platform for cancer therapy in the last ten years. Given that PVRL4 is a well-known tumor-associated marker for several adenocarcinoma (lung, breast and ovary), the measles virus could potentially be used to specifically target, infect and destroy cancers expressing PVRL4.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers, Tumor*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / chemistry
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / genetics
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / metabolism*
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Measles virus / physiology
  • Morbillivirus / physiology*
  • Morbillivirus Infections / immunology
  • Morbillivirus Infections / metabolism
  • Morbillivirus Infections / virology
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Oncolytic Virotherapy
  • Oncolytic Viruses / physiology
  • Receptors, Virus / chemistry
  • Receptors, Virus / genetics
  • Receptors, Virus / metabolism*
  • Virus Internalization

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Receptors, Virus
  • NECTIN4 protein, human