Does Disruption of Integrins Play a Role on Ebola Virus Hemorrhagic Fever Syndrome?

Heterodimeric receptors of the beta1 and beta3 integrin families are shown to play an important role in platelet adhesion and aggregation, which is critical for homeostasis and thrombosis [11]. In particular, GPIIb/IIIa integrant complex on platelets binds to collagen, fibrinogen and Von Willebrand Factor, resulting in platelet activation. This activation triggers the coagulation cascade resulting in blood clot formation and hemorrhage control. Ebola virus glycoprotein’s (GP) are shown to interact with Integrins (beta1) and may be involved in the virus entry. Ebola GP expression also led to the down regulation of integrins [12]. Integrand αV was required for efficient GP-mediated transduction and EBOV infection of macrophages [13]. Binding of Ebola virus GP to aVbIII integrins is also shown to prime the endosomal cathepsins, a necessary step in the Ebola virus entry [14].