Which cell surface marker does adenovirus primarily bind to?

Adenoviruses primarily bind to the CD46 cell surface marker. CD46, also known as membrane cofactor protein, serves as a receptor for adenovirus serotypes 2 and 5. The interaction of adenovirus with CD46 facilitates viral entry into host cells, making CD46 a critical receptor for the virus's infectivity.

Understanding the role of CD46 in viral pathology is essential for comprehending how adenoviruses exploit cellular mechanisms to gain entry and establish infection. This binding can lead to various cellular responses, influencing the course of infection and the immune response. Other markers such as CD54, CD21, and CD95 do not serve as primary receptors for adenovirus and play different roles in the immune system or cell signaling.