Heparan sulfate
Heparin sulfate (HS) is known for its role as an attachment factor by
many viruses to enter cells (B. H et al., 2003). Similar function of it
in mediating the attachment/absorption of PEDV to its host cells has
been suggested (CC et al., 2015), as confirmed by series of
observations. First, HS is a complex polysaccharide located on the cell
surface and extracellular matrix (S. S, WC, & JD, 2011). Second,
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), composed of several covalently attached
heparan sulfate (HS) chains, can provide sites for various viruses to
bind to eukaryotic cells (B. H et al., 2003). Third, it has demonstrated
that PEDV utilizes HS for its attachment to Vero cells, while
pretreatment with heparin can inhibit PEDV infection. Moreover, both N-
and O-linked sulfate groups within the heparan sulfate carbohydrate
structure are functionally important for PEDV binding to cells (CC et
al., 2015). Last, the binding ability of PEDV to Vero cells is reduced
following the enzymatic removal of cell-surface heparan sulfate or the
inhibition of heparan sulfate biosynthesis by treatment with chlorate
(CC et al., 2015). These results robustly suggest that HS is at least an
adsorbing factor for the infection of PEDV in Vero cells.