Receptors mediating adenovirus attachment and internalization.

Adenovirus infection requires that the virus attach to cells and be internalized. Interaction between the viral fiber protein and specific cell surface receptors, such as the 46-kDa coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR), is responsible for attachment; a second interaction between the viral penton base and cell surface integrins facilitates virus internalization. Expression of receptors may determine whether tissues are susceptible to adenovirus infection and adenovirus-mediated gene delivery.