The coxsackie-adenovirus receptor induces an inflammatory cardiomyopathy independent of viral infection.

The coxsackie-adenovirus receptor (CAR) is a viral receptor for Group B coxsackieviruses (CVBs) and adenoviruses. CAR has been linked with the innate immune response to CVB myocarditis, and with activation of inflammatory cells in vitro. We hypothesized that CAR activates signals that promote inflammation in the myocardium independent of viral infection.

Cardiomyocyte-targeted overexpression of the coxsackie-adenovirus receptor causes a cardiomyopathy in association with beta-catenin signaling.

The coxsackie-adenovirus receptor (CAR) is an adhesion molecule found at the intercalated disc of cardiomyocytes in association with other adherens and tight junction proteins. CAR expression is increased at cardiomyocyte junctions in patients with heart failure. It is not known what contribution elevated CAR expression makes to cardiac pathology.