Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 11, 2025

Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection in K18 hACE2 Transgenic Mice Using Reporter-Expressing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2
Published on: November 5, 2021
Animal coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2.
Guangzhi Zhang1,2, Bin Li3, Dongwan Yoo4
1Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
This review examines animal coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2, covering their emergence, transmission, and zoonotic potential. It offers guidance for controlling COVID-19 and preventing future zoonotic coronavirus outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has spread globally, causing significant public health and economic impacts.
- The natural host and transmission pathways of SARS-CoV-2 remain incompletely understood.
- Animal coronaviruses have been studied extensively since the 1930s.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review current knowledge on animal coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2.
- To discuss their emergence, transmission, zoonotic potential, and evolution.
- To provide guidance for COVID-19 control and future zoonotic outbreak prevention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on coronaviruses in animals and humans.
- Analysis of data on SARS-CoV-2 emergence, transmission dynamics, and host-pathogen interactions.
- Evaluation of current vaccine development and surveillance strategies.
Main Results:
- Bats are suspected natural hosts, but cross-species transmission details require further investigation.
- Understanding viral tropism alteration and evolution is crucial for predicting future outbreaks.
- Current research informs vaccine efficacy and surveillance needs.
Conclusions:
- A thorough understanding of animal coronaviruses is essential for managing COVID-19.
- Proactive strategies are needed to prevent and control future zoonotic coronavirus transmissions.
- Continued surveillance and research are vital for global health security.
Related Concept Videos
Viral Recombination
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs
Viruses with RNA Genomes
Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...
Viral Mutations
Conjugated Proteins
Nucleoproteins are protein complexes that contain nucleic acids, categorized as deoxyribonucleoproteins (DNPs) or ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) respectively. The nucleosome is a typical example of a DNP where nuclear DNA is associated with histone proteins. The major antigen for the Covid-19 virus SARS-CoV is an RNP that is critical...

