EphA2 is a functional entry receptor for HCMV infection of glioblastoma cells

by Xiao-Dong Dong, Yan Li, Ying Li, Cong Sun, Shang-Xin Liu, Hao Duan, Run Cui, Qian Zhong, Yong-Gao Mou, Le Wen, Bo Yang, Mu-Sheng Zeng, Min-Hua Luo, Hua Zhang

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is associated with human glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor, but the underlying infection mechanism has not been fully demonstrated. Here, we show that EphA2 was upregulated in glioblastoma and correlated with the poor prognosis of the patients. EphA2 silencing inhibits, whereas overexpression promotes HCMV infection, establishing EphA2 as a crucial cell factor for HCMV infection of glioblastoma cells. Mechanistically, EphA2 binds to HCMV gH/gL complex to mediate membrane fusion. Importantly, the HCMV infection was inhibited by the treatment of inhibitor or antibody targeting EphA2 in glioblastoma cells. Furthermore, HCMV infection was also impaired in optimal glioblastoma organoids by EphA2 inhibitor. Taken together, we propose EphA2 as a crucial cell factor for HCMV infection in glioblastoma cells and a potential target for intervention.