Effect of a Neuropilin-1-Derived Virus Receptor Trap on Enterovirus A71 infection in vitro.

We discovered that neuropilin 1 (NRP1) is a new receptor candidate to mediate Enterovirus A71 (EVA71) into cells. In the engineered form as a decoy receptor, NRP1 was able to recognize and neutralize EVA71 but not EV-D68 and CVB3. NRP1 recognizes EVA71 through a novel domain on VP3 capsid protein. The principle in the design, engineering and refinement of the NRP1-based decoy receptor described in this study represents a general and well-suited antiviral strategy.