Solute Carrier Family 35, Member F2 (SLC35F2)

SLC35F2 is a presumed transporter of unknown function. Expression of the feline SLC35F2 cDNA in nonpermissive cells renders the cells susceptible to infection by A5 virus, with remarkably high titers in the range of 10⁵ infectious units per ml. The human SLC35F2 ORF also functioned as the retroviral receptor, albeit at lower efficiency than the feline homologue. SLC35F2 transporter/channel-type protein, as a receptor by the FeLV Env backbone suggests that multipass transmembrane proteins may be particularly suited for use in productive viral entry and fusion. The analysis of retroviral Env libraries randomized in the receptor-binding domain offers a viable means to develop viral vectors targeted to specific cell types in the absence of known targeting ligands.