MFSD6 is an entry receptor for enterovirus D68.

Summary

This study identifies MFSD6 as the cellular entry receptor for enterovirus D68, a respiratory pathogen associated with acute flaccid myelitis. The finding provides a mechanistic basis for host tropism and opens therapeutic avenues to block viral entry.

Key Findings

• MFSD6 is identified as the cellular entry receptor for enterovirus D68.
• The result provides a mechanistic explanation for EV‑D68 host cell entry and tropism.
• The receptor discovery suggests therapeutic strategies to block viral attachment/entry.

Clinical Implications

MFSD6 could be leveraged for receptor-blocking therapeutics, decoy strategies, or vaccine design; tissue expression profiling may inform risk stratification for severe neurologic or respiratory disease.

Limitations

• Preclinical findings require validation across primary human tissues and in vivo models.
• Clinical correlates of MFSD6 expression with disease severity remain to be established.

Future Directions

Map MFSD6 expression in respiratory and neuronal tissues; develop receptor-blocking antibodies/ligands and evaluate protection in relevant EV‑D68 models.