Xenotransplantation of porcine tissues has the potential to treat a wide variety of major health problems including organ failure and @entity6 . Balanced against the potential benefits of xenotransplantation, however, is the risk of @entity1 @entity281 with a porcine microorganism. In particular, the transmission of porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) is a major concern [Chapman, L. E. _ Bloom, E. T. (2001) J. Am. Med. Assoc. 285, 2304-2306]. Here we report the identification of two, sequence-related, @entity1 proteins that act as receptors for PERV-A, encoded by genes located on chromosomes 8 and 17. We also describe homologs from @entity3474 and porcine cells that also are active as receptors. Conversely, activity could not be demonstrated with a syntenic @entity19 receptor homolog. Sequence analysis indicates that PERV-A receptors [ @entity1 PERV-A receptor (HuPAR)-1, HuPAR-2, @entity3474 PERV-A receptor 2, and porcine PERV-A receptor] are multiple membrane-spanning proteins similar to receptors for other gammaretroviruses. Expression is widespread in @entity1 tissues including peripheral blood mononuclear cells, but their biological functions are unknown. The identification of the PERV-A receptors opens avenues of research necessary for a more complete assessment of the retroviral risks of @entity1707 to @entity1 xenotransplantation.

Identification of receptors for XXXX endogenous retrovirus.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['human'] @entity1707 :: ('9823', 'Species') :: ['pig'] @entity6 :: ('MESH:D003920', 'Disease') :: ['diabetes'] @entity19 :: ('10090', 'Species') :: ['murine'] @entity3474 :: ('9555', 'Species') :: ['baboon'] @entity281 :: ('MESH:D007239', 'Disease') :: ['infection']
@entity1707 :: (9823,Species) :: ['pig']
