Michael C. Letko

Aminopeptidase N is a receptor for hedgehog merbecoviruses

This study identifies Aminopeptidase N as the receptor for hedgehog merbecoviruses and shows restricted cross-species receptor use.

Comparative susceptibility of Old World and New World bat cell lines to Zika virus: Insights into viral replication and inflammatory responses

This study compares the susceptibility of Old World and New World bat cell lines to Zika virus, finding that Old World bat cells support viral replication and strong inflammatory responses.

Structural and phenotypic plasticity of the RBD loop2 region is a key determinant for HKU5r-CoVs' emergence in mink

This study identifies structural and phenotypic changes in the RBD loop2 region of HKU5r-CoVs as key factors enabling their emergence in mink and potential zoonotic transmission.

229E- and NL63-like coronaviruses in phyllostomid bats, Belize

The paper identifies novel and previously known alphacoronaviruses in three bat species in Belize and finds phylogenetic similarity between bat CoVs and human 229E and NL63 coronaviruses.

ACE2 from Pipistrellus abramus bats is a receptor for HKU5 coronaviruses

The paper identifies ACE2 as a receptor for HKU5 coronaviruses from Pipistrellus abramus bats and investigates receptor tropism across merbecovirus clades.

Viral susceptibility and innate immune competency of Carollia perspicillata bat cells produced for virological studies

This study generates and characterizes bat cell lines from Carollia perspicillata to study viral susceptibility and innate immune responses, showing their utility for virological research.