A subset of series B adenoviruses binds epithelial cells via a previously unknown receptor. Wang et al. now identify this receptor as desmoglein-2 (DSG-2), which has a role in intercellular adhesion. Binding of group B Ad3 to DSG-2 triggered an epithelial to mesenchymal transition, opened intercellular junctions and increased access to junction-localized proteins, which together may contribute to the spread of these viruses though epithelial tissues.
- Hongjie Wang
- Zong-Yi Li
- André Lieber