(Microbial infection) Modulates the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect host cells through interaction with the spike protein ( ). Does not act as a SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor but sequesters virions and antagonizes in trans SARS-CoV-2 infection of ACE2(+) cells when expressed on nearby cells (, ).
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane
Expressed in brain and placenta . Expressed in lung fibroblasts (, ). Expressed in chodrocytes .