Adenovirus Endocytosis via α v Integrins Requires Phosphoinositide-3-OH Kinase

Integrins mediate cell adhesion and motility on the extracellular matrix, yet they also promote viral attachment and/or entry. Evidence is presented that adenovirus internalization by alpha(v) integrins requires activation of phosphoinositide-3-OH kinase (PI3K), whereas alpha(v) integrin-mediated cell motility depends on the ERK1/ERK2 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Interaction of adenovirus with alpha(v), integrins induced activation of PI3K. Pharmacologic or genetic disruption of endogenous PI3K activity blocked adenovirus internalization and virus-mediated gene delivery yet had no effect on integrin-mediated cell adhesion or motility. Therefore, integrin ligation engages distinct signaling pathways that promote viral endocytosis or cell movement.