Identification of alternative splice products encoded by the human coxsackie-adenovirus receptor gene

The human cellular receptor for group B coxsackieviruses and adenoviruses (HCAR) is a transmembrane glycoprotein which belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily. We describe alternative splicing of the HCAR-gene and the existence of three exon-skipping splice variants in addition to the originally identified seven exon-encompassing mRNA transcript. Expression of the splice variants theoretically results in truncated proteins, possibly leading to impaired viral binding and/or the occurrence of soluble viral receptors due to the absence of the transmembranous region. Consequently, this could markedly influence the efficacy of an adenovirus subgroup C-mediated gene therapy. (C) 2001 Academic Press.