Alpha-defensin binding expands human adenovirus tropism.

A recent preprint abstract suggests that alpha-defensins, which are peptides involved in the innate immune system, can enhance infection by certain bacterial and viral pathogens. The study found that exposure to alpha-defensins allows human adenoviruses (HAdVs) to bind to cells independently of known viral receptors, expanding their tropism to non-susceptible cells. This novel pathway for HAdV binding bypasses primary receptors and is integrin-dependent. The researchers propose that in the presence of sufficient concentrations of alpha-defensins, integrin expression rather than primary receptor expression will determine HAdV tropism in vivo. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]