Low-affinity nerve-growth factor receptor (P75NTR) can serve as a receptorfor rabies virus

A random-primed cDNA expression library constructed from the mRNA of neurob lastoma cells (NG108) was used to clone a specific rabies virus (RV) recept or. A soluble form of the RV glycoprotein (G(s)) was utilized as a ligand t o detect positive cells. We identified the murine low-affinity nerve-growth factor receptor, p75NTR, BSR cells stably expressing p75NTR were able to b ind G(s) and G-expressing lepidopteran cells. The ability of the RV glycopr otein to bind p75NTR was dependent on the presence of a lysine and arginine in positions 330 and 333 respectively of antigenic site III, which is know n to control virus penetration into motor and sensory neurons of adult mice . P75NTR-expressing BSR cells were permissive for a non-adapted fox RV isol ate (street virus) and nerve growth factor (NGF) decreased this infection. In infected cells, p75NTR associates with the RV glycoprotein and could be precipitated with anti-G monoclonal antibodies. Therefore, p75NTR is a rece ptor for street RV.