Identification of α-dystroglycan as a receptor for lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and Lassa fever virus

Abstract

A peripheral membrane protein that is interactive with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) was purified from cells permissive to infection. Tryptic peptides from this protein were determined to be α- dystroglycan (α-DG). Several strains of LCMV and other arenaviruses, including Lassa fever virus (LFV), Oliveros, and Mobala, bound to purified α-DG protein. Soluble α-DG blocked both LCMV and LFV infection. Cells bearing a null mutation of the gene encoding DG were resistant to LCMV infection, and reconstitution of DG expression in null mutant cells restored susceptability to LCMV infection. Thus, α-DG is a cellular receptor for both LCMV and LFV.