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

J Virol. 2016 Apr 14;90(9):4838-4842. doi: 10.1128/JVI.02994-15. Print 2016 May.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Camelus
  • Coronavirus Infections / transmission
  • Coronavirus Infections / virology*
  • Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 / genetics*
  • Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus / physiology*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Receptors, Virus / genetics*
  • Receptors, Virus / metabolism
  • Respiratory Mucosa / metabolism*
  • Respiratory Mucosa / virology*
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Virus
  • Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4