{
  "id": 18485523,
  "title": "Endothelial protein C receptor is an entry receptor for Langya virus",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/endothelial-protein-c-receptor-is-an-entry-receptor-for-langya-virus",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-11-06T00:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "bioRxiv",
    "slug": "biorxiv",
    "url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.11.04.763901v1?rss=1"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recently discovered Langya virus (LayV) is an entry receptor for the human endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR), according to the latest research. LayV belongs to the Parahenipavirus group, which comprises poorly understood pathogens with case fatality rates reaching up to 90% in some cases. Despite their widespread distribution and potential for pandemics, there are currently no approved vaccines or therapeutics for any parahenipavirus or henipavirus. The study reveals the molecular basis of LayV G recognition of the EPCR receptor, providing a blueprint of the determinants of receptor ortholog usage. Human and shrew EPCR orthologs promote cell entry of LayV, which is closely related to the Mojiang pseudoviruses. These findings suggest that human and shrew EPCR orthologs are important for LayV and related viruses, differentiating them from Henipaviruses, which rely on Pteropid fruit bats as reservoir hosts. The researchers believe that this information can be used to predict EPCR utilization among newly discovered Parahenipaviruses and to develop countermeasures against these emerging human pathogens.",
  "summary": "Langya virus (LayV) was recently discovered in infected individuals with febrile illness and classified as a Parahenipavirus, a group of poorly understood pathogens. LayV is distantly related to Nipah henipavirus which causes recurring outbreaks with case fatality rates reaching up to 90%. No vaccines or therapeutics are approved for use in humans for any parahenipavirus or henipavirus despite…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}