Background: The receptor tyrosine kinase EphA2 plays a role in many diseases, like cancer, cataracts, and osteoporosis. Interestingly, it has also been linked to viral infections. Objective: Herein, current literature has been reviewed to clarify EphA2 functions in viral infections and explore its potential role as a target in antiviral drug discovery strategies. Methods: Research and review articles and preprints connecting EphA2 to different viruses have been searched through PubMed and the web. Structures of complexes between EphA2 domains and viral proteins have been retrieved from the PDB database. Results: EphA2 assumes a key role in Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infections by directly binding, through its ligand binding domain, viral glycoproteins. For human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), the role of EphA2 in maintaining virus latency state, through cooperation with specific viral proteins, has also been speculated. In certain cells, with high EphA2 expression levels, following ligand stimulation, receptor activation might contribute to severe symptoms accompanying a few viral infections, including lung injuries often related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Conclusion: Since EphA2 works as a host receptor for certain viruses, it might be worth more deeply investigating known compounds targeting its extracellular ligand binding domain as antiviral therapeutics. Due to EphA2's function in inflammation, its possible correlation with SARS-CoV-2 cannot be excluded, but more experimental studies are needed in this case to undoubtedly attribute the role of this receptor in viral infections.

EPHA2 Receptor as a Possible Therapeutic Target in Viral Infections

Vincenzi, Marian
Membro del Collaboration Group
;
Mercurio, Flavia Anna
Membro del Collaboration Group
;
Leone, Marilisa
Membro del Collaboration Group
2024

Abstract

Background: The receptor tyrosine kinase EphA2 plays a role in many diseases, like cancer, cataracts, and osteoporosis. Interestingly, it has also been linked to viral infections. Objective: Herein, current literature has been reviewed to clarify EphA2 functions in viral infections and explore its potential role as a target in antiviral drug discovery strategies. Methods: Research and review articles and preprints connecting EphA2 to different viruses have been searched through PubMed and the web. Structures of complexes between EphA2 domains and viral proteins have been retrieved from the PDB database. Results: EphA2 assumes a key role in Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infections by directly binding, through its ligand binding domain, viral glycoproteins. For human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), the role of EphA2 in maintaining virus latency state, through cooperation with specific viral proteins, has also been speculated. In certain cells, with high EphA2 expression levels, following ligand stimulation, receptor activation might contribute to severe symptoms accompanying a few viral infections, including lung injuries often related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Conclusion: Since EphA2 works as a host receptor for certain viruses, it might be worth more deeply investigating known compounds targeting its extracellular ligand binding domain as antiviral therapeutics. Due to EphA2's function in inflammation, its possible correlation with SARS-CoV-2 cannot be excluded, but more experimental studies are needed in this case to undoubtedly attribute the role of this receptor in viral infections.
2024
Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini - IBB - Sede Napoli
EBV
EphA2
KSHV
SARS-CoV-2
cancer
ephrin
tyrosine kinase receptor
viral infection
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
EphA2viralinf_Leone_06_04_23-submittedpreprint.pdf

solo utenti autorizzati

Tipologia: Documento in Pre-print
Licenza: NON PUBBLICO - Accesso privato/ristretto
Dimensione 1.07 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
1.07 MB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri   Richiedi una copia
1_EPHA2 Receptor as a Possible Therapeutic Target in Viral Infections.pdf

solo utenti autorizzati

Tipologia: Versione Editoriale (PDF)
Licenza: NON PUBBLICO - Accesso privato/ristretto
Dimensione 8.97 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
8.97 MB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri   Richiedi una copia

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14243/475782
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 2
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 2
social impact