Alpha-defensin binding expands human adenovirus tropism

Mammalian α-defensins are a family of abundant effector peptides of the mucosal innate immune system. Although primarily considered to be antimicrobial, α-defensins can increase rather than block infection by certain prominent bacterial and viral pathogens in cell culture and in vivo. We have shown previously that exposure of mouse and human adenoviruses (HAdVs) to α-defensins is able to overcome competitive inhibitors that block cell binding, leading us to hypothesize a defensin-mediated binding mechanism that is independent of known viral receptors. To test this hypothesis, we used genetic approaches to demonstrate that none of several primary receptors nor integrin co-receptors are needed for human α-defensin-mediated binding of HAdV to cells; however, infection remains integrin dependent. Thus, our studies have revealed a novel pathway for HAdV binding to cells that bypasses viral primary receptors. We speculate that this pathway functions in parallel with receptor-mediated entry an..., , , # Alpha-defensin binding expands human adenovirus tropism

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.d2547d89h](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.d2547d89h)

## Description of the data and file structure

Files are provided for each figure as follows:

Figure 1A:
Scans of 96-well plates of A549 cells infected with green fluorescent protein-expressing viruses were obtained using a multi-mode plate scanner (*_platescan.tif) from 2 independent replicates (Rep##). Experimental variables include human defensin 5 (HD5) and two human adenovirus (HAdV) serotypes, C5 and D64. Samples were arranged as indicated on the plate map (.pdf).

Figure 1B:
Scans of 96-well plates of A549 cells infected with green fluorescent protein-expressing viruses were obtained using a multi-mode plate scanner (*_platescan.tif) from 3 independent replicates (Rep##). Samples were arranged as indicated on the plate map (.pdf). Experimental variables include wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and human defensin 5 (HD5). From these images, tot...