HKU5 bat merbecoviruses use divergent mechanisms to engage bat and mink ACE2 as entry receptors
Mia Madel Alfajaro, Emma L. Keeler, Ning Li, Nicholas Catanzaro, I‐Ting Teng, Zhe Zhao, Michael W. Grunst, Boyd L. Yount, Alexandra Schäfer, Danyi Wang, Arthur S. Kim, Aleksandra Synowiec, Mario A. Peña-Hernández, Ridwan Arinola, Ramandeep Kaur, , Craig B. Wilen
This study identifies bat and mink ACE2 as receptors for HKU5 merbecovirus, revealing distinct receptor interactions and highlighting mustelids as potential intermediate hosts.
bioRxiv · Feb 12, 2025 · PreprintMicrobiology