A mutation in the spike protein of MERS-CoV confers resistance against soluble DPP4

What is it about?

MERS-CoV is a highly pathogenic pre-pandemic coronavirus transmitted from camels to humans. The spike protein of MERS-CoV uses the cellular protein DPP4 as a receptor for host cell entry. Furthermore, soluble DPP4 can inhibit entry. We obtained indirect evidence that soluble DPP4 is present in blood at concentrations sufficient to inhibit MERS-CoV entry and show that the mutation Q1020R reduces sensitivity to inhibition by soluble DPP4.

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Why is it important?

MERS-CoV circulates in African and Arabian camels; however, only viruses from Arabian camels have been found to cause disease in humans. Here, we show that the mutation Q1020R, present in Arabian viruses, confers resistance to soluble DPP4 and may thus help explain why only Arabian viruses have so far been responsible for MERS cases.

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