In addition to its metalloproteinase-inducing ability, basigin also regulates several distinct functions, such as spermatogenesis, expression of the monocarboxylate transporter and the responsiveness of lymphocytes.

[6] Basigin is a type I integral membrane receptor that has many ligands, including the cyclophilin (CyP) proteins Cyp-A and CyP-B and certain integrins.

The human basigin protein contains 269 amino acids that form two heavily glycosylated C2 type immunoglobulin-like domains at the N-terminal extracellular portion.

[22] Some of these claims have been challenged by another group of scientists who found no evidence of a direct role for basigin in either binding the viral spike protein or promoting lung cell infection.

[23] More recent studies suggests CD147 as SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor of platelets and megakaryocytes, leading to hyperactivation and thrombosis, that differs from common cold coronavirus CoV-OC43.

[26] Yet another study describes high-interaction coupling of N-RBD of SARS-CoV-2 and CD147 as the main way of infecting lymphocytes allegedly leading to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.