Functional Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 (DPP4) in mink supports entry and replication of Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus: American Mink (Neovision vision), a novel in vivo model of MERS-CoV infection

摘要

Background: A novel coronavirus, named the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), was first identified in humans in 2012. MERS infections are characterized by acute respiratory distress with fatal cases often diagnosed with comorbidity factors including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or obesity. Continued emergence of MERS-CoV, coupled with a lack of understanding of the natural history of MERS highlights the importance of identifying therapeutics for treatment of MERS-CoV infections in humans.