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 s uperfamily. We describe alternative splicing of the HCAR-gene and the exist ence of three exon-skipping splice variants in addition to the originally i dentified 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 mar kedly influence the efficacy of an adenovirus subgroup C-mediated gene ther apy. (C) 2001 Academic Press.