Overview:

CD147 is a highly glycosylated transmembrane protein that acts as the main upstream stimulator of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) (1). It has been reported to bind viral Spike protein of SARS-Co-2, thereby playing a functional role in mediating the viral invasion of the host cell. CD147 also acts as an RBC receptor for Plasmodium falciparum, a Malarial protozoan (2). In addition, expression level of CD147 is increased in tumor tissue, inflammation and pathogenically infected cells. Therefore, CD147 receptor blocking drugs may provide novel therapeutic strategy against viral invasion, such as 2019-nCoV (3).

Gene Aliases:

Basigin, EMMPRIN

Genbank Number:

NM_198589

References:

1. Kong LM, et al: A regulatory loop involving miR-22, Sp1, and c-Myc modulates CD147 expression in breast cancer invasion and metastasis. Cancer Research. 2014, 74(14):3764-78.

2. Wang K, et al SARS-CoV-2 invades host cells via a novel route: CD147-spike protein. BioRxiv. 2020 doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.03.14.988345

3. Ulrich H, et al: CD147 as a target for COVID-19 treatment: Suggested effects of azithromycin and stem cell engagement.