Structural highlights
Function
NSP4_ROTHT Involved in virus morphogenesis. Functions as a receptor for the immature double-layered inner capsid particle (ICP) which transiently buds into the lumen of the rough endoplasmic reticulum during viral maturation (By similarity). Enterotoxin that causes a phospholipase C-dependent elevation of the intracellular calcium concentration in host intestinal mucosa cells. Increased concentration of intracellular calcium disrupts the cytoskeleton and the tight junctions, raising the paracellular permeability. Potentiates chloride ion secretion through a calcium ion-dependent signaling pathway, inducing age-dependent diarrhea. To perform this enterotoxigenic role in vivo, NSP4 is probably released from infected enterocytes in a soluble form capable of diffusing within the intestinal lumen and interacting with the plasma membrane receptors on neighboring epithelial cells. Possible receptors for NSP4 are alpha-1/beta-1 and alpha-2/beta-1 integrin heterodimers (By similarity).