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Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Titration of Human Coronaviruses Using an Immunoperoxidase Assay
Published on: April 28, 2008
Structural insights into coronavirus entry
M Alejandra Tortorici1, David Veesler2
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Institut Pasteur, Unité de Virologie Structurale, Paris, France; CNRS UMR 3569, Unité de Virologie Structurale, Paris, France.
Abstract:
Coronaviruses (CoVs) have caused outbreaks of deadly pneumonia in humans since the beginning of the 21st century. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) emerged in 2002 and was responsible for an epidemic that spread to five continents with a fatality rate of 10% before being contained in 2003 (with additional cases reported in 2004). The Middle-East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) emerged in the Arabian Peninsula in 2012 and has caused recurrent outbreaks in humans with a fatality rate of 35%. SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV are zoonotic viruses that crossed the species barrier using bats/palm civets and dromedary camels, respectively. No specific treatments or vaccines have been approved against any of the six human coronaviruses, highlighting the need to investigate the principles governing viral entry and cross-species transmission as well as to prepare for zoonotic outbreaks which are likely to occur due to the large reservoir of CoVs found in mammals and birds. Here, we review our understanding of the infection mechanism used by coronaviruses derived from recent structural and biochemical studies.
Insights
Coronaviruses cause deadly pneumonia, with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV outbreaks highlighting urgent needs. Research into viral entry and cross-species transmission is crucial for pandemic preparedness.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Coronaviruses (CoVs) have caused significant human pneumonia outbreaks, including SARS-CoV (2002) and MERS-CoV (2012).
- These zoonotic viruses demonstrate cross-species transmission, originating from bats/civets (SARS-CoV) and camels (MERS-CoV).
- Current treatments and vaccines are lacking for the six known human coronaviruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the infection mechanisms of coronaviruses.
- To understand viral entry and cross-species transmission.
- To inform preparedness for future zoonotic CoV outbreaks.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent structural and biochemical studies on coronaviruses.
- Analysis of CoV infection pathways.
- Examination of zoonotic spillover events.
Main Results:
- Coronaviruses utilize specific mechanisms for host cell entry.
- Understanding these mechanisms is key to preventing cross-species transmission.
- Bats and birds represent significant reservoirs for diverse CoVs.
Conclusions:
- Further investigation into coronavirus infection mechanisms is essential.
- Developing effective treatments and vaccines is a priority.
- Enhanced surveillance and preparedness are needed due to the high zoonotic potential of CoVs.
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