Multiple proteins of White spot syndrome virus involved in recognition of β-integrin

The recognition and attachment of virus to its host cell surface is a critical step for viral infection. Recent research revealed that beta-integin was involved in White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection. In this study, the interaction of beta-integrin with structure proteins of WSSV and motifs involved in WSSV infection was examined. The results showed that envelope proteins VP26, VP31, VP37, VP90 and nucleocapsid protein VP136 interacted with LvInt. ROD-, YGL- and LDV-related peptide functioned as motifs of WSSV proteins binding with beta-integrin. The beta-integrin ligand of RGDT had better blocking effect compared with that of YGL- and LDV-related peptides. In vivo assay indicated that ROD-, LDV- and YGL-related peptides could partially block WSSV infection. These data collectively indicate that multiple proteins were involved in recognition of P-integrin. Identification of proteins in WSSV that are associated with P-integrin will assist development of new agents for effective control of the white spot syndrome.