Convergent utilization of APN receptor by hedgehog merbecoviruses

Liu, P.; Zhu, Q.; Liu, J.; Ma, Z.; Yu, Y.; Liu, C.; Ma, C.; Si, J.; Yang, X.; Huang, M.; Sun, Y.; Yu, X.; Liu, T.; Yu, L.; Wang, Q.; Li, J.; Cao, Y.; Wang, X.; Yan, H.

doi:10.1101/2025.09.16.676546

bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.09.16.676546

Convergent utilization of APN receptor by hedgehog merbecoviruses

Liu, P.·Zhu, Q.·Liu, J.·Ma, Z.·Yu, Y.·Liu, C.·Ma, C.·Si, J.·Yang, X.·Huang, M.·Sun, Y.·Yu, X.·Liu, T.·Yu, L.·Wang, Q.·Li, J.·Cao, Y.·Wang, X.·Yan, H.

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Abstract

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) are well-established receptors for merbecoviruses, yet the receptor usage of merbecoviruses of European and Asian hedgehogs (EriCoVs) remains unknown. Here, by testing hedgehog orthologs of known coronavirus receptors, we identify hedgehog aminopeptidase N (APN) as a functional receptor for EriCoVs. Analysis of 94 APN orthologs indicates that EriCoVs have a limited host range, primarily utilizing hedgehog APN and, to a lesser extent, APN from certain felids, shaped by specific determinants at the virus-receptor interface. Cryo-EM reveals an APN-binding mode distinct from those used by alpha- and deltacoronaviruses. Functional assays indicate that hedgehog transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) enhances spike activation and promotes pseudovirus entry. Neutralizing antibodies targeting RBD and APN were developed and could effectively block EriCoV pseudovirus entry and propagation. These findings reveal an unexpected convergent evolution of APN utilization among merbecovirus, establishing a foundation for risk assessment and countermeasure development. Graphic abstractConvergent utilization of hedgehog APN by EriCoVs O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=115 SRC="FIGDIR/small/676546v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (48K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1ea334aorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@cd53bforg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@352102org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@a1eed_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

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Liu, P., Zhu, Q., Liu, J., Ma, Z., Yu, Y., Liu, C., Ma, C., Si, J., Yang, X., Huang, M., Sun, Y., Yu, X., Liu, T., Yu, L., Wang, Q., Li, J., Cao, Y., Wang, X., Yan, H.. 2025-09-19. Convergent utilization of APN receptor by hedgehog merbecoviruses. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.09.16.676546

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