Differential Expression of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Receptor in the Upper Respiratory Tracts of Humans and Dromedary Camels

Sidiq Widagdo, Stalinraj Victor, Debby van Eck - Schipper, Kimberley Kolijn, Arno van Leenders, BJ Bosch, A Bensaid, J Segales, W Baumgartner, Ab Osterhaus, Marion Koopmans, Judith van den Brand, Bart Haagmans

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Abstract

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is not efficiently transmitted between humans, but it is highly prevalent in dromedary camels. Here we report that the MERS-CoV receptor-dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4)-is expressed in the upper respiratory tract epithelium of camels but not in that of humans. Lack of DPP4 expression may be the primary cause of limited MERS-CoV replication in the human upper respiratory tract and hence restrict transmission.
Original languageUndefined/Unknown
Pages (from-to)4838-4842
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Virology
Volume90
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016

Research programs

  • EMC MM-03-24-01
  • EMC MM-04-27-01

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