Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) (MERS-CoV)

Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a zoonotic betacoronavirus first identified in 2012 that causes severe respiratory illness in humans (WHO, 2023). It utilizes the Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) receptor to enter host cells, primarily targeting the lower respiratory tract (UniProt, 2024). The viral genome encodes several key proteins that serve as therapeutic targets, including the Spike (S) protein for entry, the 3C-like protease (3CLpro) and Papain-like protease (PLpro) for polyprotein processing, and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) for genome replication (NIH, 2020). While no specific antivirals are currently FDA-approved specifically for MERS, broad-spectrum antivirals like remdesivir and various monoclonal antibodies are under investigation (PubMed, 2021). The high case-fatality rate and potential for outbreaks make it a significant public health concern and a priority for drug and vaccine development (WHO, 2023).

Other names

MERS-CoVHCoV-EMCHuman coronavirus EMCBetacoronavirus lineage C

Inhibition of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) to halt replication, inhibition of viral proteases (3CLpro and PLpro) to prevent polyprotein processing, and neutralization of the Spike protein to block host cell entry (PubMed, 2021; NIH, 2020).