VIRAL OBESITY: Adenovirus

VIRUSES AND OBESITY: The interesting thing about Ad-36 (and also Ad-37) is that they have been implicated in the human obesity epidemic. In some studies those who had a high BMI (Body Mass Index) were five times more likely to have antibodies to Ad-36 than those who were not obese. The increased adiposity seems to be seen along with a decrease in blood levels of triglycerides and cholesterol. This virus seems to target preadipocytes (or early lipoblasts) causing increased differentiation and fat storage.
Adenovirus 36 (Ad-36) are small icosahedral viruses with characteristic fibres (fibers) radiating from the 12 vertices of their icosahedral capsids. These fibres are used in viral attachment to the host cells. They belong to the D species (previously known as subgroup D adenoviruses).
In this computer graphic, the translucent yellow outer layer represents the viral hexon proteins (arranged as an icosahedral capsid). At the twelve vertices lie the pentons (purple) from which radiate the fibers (blue). The red inner ball represents the double stranded DNA genome (viral genes). The virus particles are shown entering from upper right and arcing down towards the yellowish globular fat cells. The small blue cell at bottom left represents a preadipocyte.