Figure 4.

Virus binding to endothelial cells. Virus can bind to the major endothelial cell receptor aVb3. Binding results in recruitment of the Vascular Endothelial cell Growth Factor Receptor 2 (VEGFR2) which activates Src kinase. This directs VE-cadherin internalization, dissociation of adherens junctions, and an increase in vascular permeability. Separation of endothelial cells allows for pathogens to escape the bloodstream and infect major organs which eventually leads to multi organ failure.