Downregulation of the cellular adhesion molecule Thy-1 (CD90) by cytomegalovirus infection of human fibroblasts
Abstract
The deregulation of cellular adhesion molecules by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) appears to be correlated with the development of vascular disease. In this study, it was investigated whether the expression of Thy-1 (CD90), a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of adhesion molecules with constitutive expression on fibroblast cells, is modulated following infection with HCMV. It was observed that Thy-1 cell surface expression decreased significantly during the course of infection. Addition of neutralizing antibodies, as well as UV inactivation of virus, prevented Thy-1 downregulation. In contrast, inhibition of virus replication by cidofovir did not alter Thy-1 regulation by HCMV, indicating that immediate-early (IE) and/or early (E) gene products are responsible. Interestingly, after infection of fibroblasts with a recombinant GFP-expressing virus, infected as well as non-infected cells showed a reduced Thy-1 cell surface expression. From these findings, it is concluded that IE or E gene products of HCMV induce a so far unidentified soluble factor that mediates Thy-1 downregulation.
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Cell adhesion molecules are a subset of cell adhesion proteins located on the cell surface involved in binding with other cells or with the extracellular matrix in the process called cell adhesion. In essence, cell adhesion molecules help cells stick to each other and to their surroundings. Cell adhesion is a crucial component in maintaining tissue structure and function. Discover the latest research on adhesion molecule and their role in health and disease here.