ACE2 utilization of HKU25 clade MERS-related coronaviruses with broad geographic distribution.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) is a well-established receptor for several MERS-related coronaviruses (MERSr-CoVs) isolated from humans, camels, pangolins, and bats . However, the receptor usage of many genetically diverse bat MERSr-CoVs with broad geographical distributions remains poorly understood. Recent studies have identified angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as an entry receptor for multiple merbecovirus clades.

ACE2 utilization of HKU25 clade MERS-related coronaviruses with broad geographic distribution.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) is a well-established receptor for several MERS-related coronaviruses (MERSr-CoVs) isolated from humans, camels, pangolins, and bats (1-6). However, the receptor usage of many genetically diverse bat MERSr-CoVs with broad geographical distributions remains poorly understood. Recent studies have identified angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as an entry receptor for multiple merbecovirus clades.

Bat-infecting merbecovirus HKU5-CoV lineage 2 can use human ACE2 as a cell entry receptor.

Merbecoviruses comprise four viral species with remarkable genetic diversity: MERS-related coronavirus, Tylonycteris bat coronavirus HKU4, Pipistrellus bat coronavirus HKU5, and Hedgehog coronavirus 1. However, the potential human spillover risk of animal merbecoviruses remains to be investigated. Here, we reported the discovery of HKU5-CoV lineage 2 (HKU5-CoV-2) in bats that efficiently utilize human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a functional receptor and exhibits a broad host tropism.

Molecular basis of convergent evolution of ACE2 receptor utilization among HKU5 coronaviruses.

DPP4 was considered a canonical receptor for merbecoviruses until the recent discovery of African bat-borne MERS-related coronaviruses using ACE2. The extent and diversity of ACE2 utilization among merbecoviruses and their receptor species tropism remain unknown. Here, we reveal that HKU5 enters host cells utilizing Pipistrellus abramus (P.

Multiple independent acquisitions of ACE2 usage in MERS-related coronaviruses.

The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor is shared by various coronaviruses with distinct receptor-binding domain (RBD) architectures, yet our understanding of these convergent acquisition events remains elusive. Here, we report that two bat MERS-related coronaviruses (MERSr-CoVs) infecting Pipistrellus nathusii (P.nat)-MOW15-22 and PnNL2018B-use ACE2 as their receptor, with narrow ortholog specificity.

Design of customized coronavirus receptors.

Although coronaviruses use diverse receptors, the characterization of coronaviruses with unknown receptors has been impeded by a lack of infection models. Here we introduce a strategy to engineer functional customized viral receptors (CVRs). The modular design relies on building artificial receptor scaffolds comprising various modules and generating specific virus-binding domains.

Sarbecovirus RBD indels and specific residues dictating multi-species ACE2 adaptiveness.

Our comprehensive understanding of the multi-species ACE2 adaptiveness of sarbecoviruses remains elusive, particularly for those with various receptor binding motif (RBM) insertions/deletions (indels). Here, we analyzed RBM sequences from 268 sarbecoviruses categorized into four RBM indel types. We examined the ability of 20 representative sarbecovirus Spike glycoproteins (S) and derivatives in utilizing ACE2 from various bats and several other mammalian species.

Vitrification of farmed blue fox oocytes in ethylene glycol and DMSO-based solutions using open-pulled straw (OPS).

Farmed blue fox was used as a model to develop cryopreservation protocol for nondomestic canine species. We report here the developmental potential of farmed blue fox oocytes after vitrification with a two-step OPS method. Oocytes were collected and pre-cultured for 0, 24, 48, 72 hours respectively before cryopreservation.

Surgical embryo transfer resulted in birth of live offspring in farmed blue fox.

Finland blue fox (Alopex lagopus) has great reputation in pelt industry around the world for its large size and top-ranking fur quality; however, both the herd size and the average survival rate of purebred offspring are rather low in production systems in China. Surgical transfer of blue fox embryos was investigated as a means to increase the population fox and also as a possible means to conserve endangered canine species. The animals were chosen on the basis of synchrony in natural oestrus.