SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 Interactions with C-Type Lectins

Division Of Basic Sciences - Nci

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Using lentiviral vectors pseudotyped with SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, we are examining different SARS-CoV-2 variants for their ability to interact with CLEC4M, and whether this interaction facilitates direct infection of cells or efficient transfer and infection of cells expressing canonical SARS-CoV-2 entry and activation receptors. Different allelic forms of CLEC4M appear to support the direct infection of cells expressing the C-type lectin by the pseudoviruses in a manner that is dependent on Spike interaction with CLEC4M. We are (1) studying the domains of CLEC4M that bind the Spike protein, (2) the efficiency of transfer to target cells, (3) susceptibility to neutralizing antibodies, and (4) whether CLEC4M affects the neutralization of Spike variants of SARS-CoV-2 is effected in a coculture system.