Isolation of SARS-CoV-2-related coronavirus from Malayan pangolins

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Genomics
• Zoonotic Diseases

Background:

• The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak presents global health challenges.
• While bats are known coronavirus reservoirs, SARS-CoV-2's intermediate host remains unidentified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential intermediate hosts for SARS-CoV-2.
• To identify and characterize coronaviruses in Malayan pangolins.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and sequencing of a novel coronavirus (pangolin-CoV) from Malayan pangolins.
• Comparative genomic analysis of pangolin-CoV against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses.
• Detection of pangolin-CoV in pangolin populations and assessment of antibody responses.

Main Results:

• A pangolin coronavirus (pangolin-CoV) was isolated, showing high amino acid identity (up to 100% in E protein) with SARS-CoV-2.
• The receptor-binding domain of pangolin-CoV's S protein is nearly identical to that of SARS-CoV-2.
• Genomic analysis suggests SARS-CoV-2 may have arisen from recombination between pangolin-CoV-like and RaTG13-like viruses.
• Pangolin-CoV was detected in 68% of analyzed pangolins, which exhibited clinical signs and serological evidence of infection.

Conclusions:

• Malayan pangolins harbor a coronavirus closely related to SARS-CoV-2, indicating their potential role as an intermediate host.
• The close genetic relationship underscores the zoonotic potential of pangolin-associated coronaviruses.
• The illegal wildlife trade involving pangolins poses a significant public health risk, necessitating effective control measures.