Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 7, 2025

Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection in K18 hACE2 Transgenic Mice Using Reporter-Expressing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2
08:41

Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection in K18 hACE2 Transgenic Mice Using Reporter-Expressing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2

Published on: November 5, 2021

3.1K

Unraveling the Epidemiology, Geographical Distribution, and Genomic Evolution of Potentially Lethal Coronaviruses

Nosheen Masood1, Saima Shakil Malik2, Muhammad Naqqi Raja3

  • 1Department of Biotechnology, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|September 25, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Lessons from SARS and MERS epidemics, caused by coronaviruses, offer crucial insights for combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding viral receptor binding domains (RBDs) and host cell interactions is key.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) emerged in 2003, originating from bats and spreading globally via infected animals, with an 11% fatality rate.
  • Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) emerged in 2012, transmitted from bats to humans through camels, exhibiting a 35% fatality rate.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, shares similarities with SARS-CoV, highlighting the importance of understanding viral evolution and transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the origins, transmission, and host cell interactions of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2.
  • To emphasize the critical role of the receptor binding domain (RBD) in viral pathogenesis and host cell entry.
  • To underscore the value of historical epidemic data in managing current and future viral threats like COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of epidemiological data and viral characteristics of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2.
  • Identification of key viral proteins and host cell receptors involved in viral entry, such as RBD, ACE2, DPP4, and furin.
  • Review of pathogenesis mechanisms, including the role of protein folding in viral infectivity.

Main Results:

  • SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 utilize the ACE2 receptor for cell entry, while MERS-CoV uses DPP4.
  • The receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S) protein is crucial for viral attachment and pathogenesis in all three coronaviruses.
  • SARS-CoV-2 exhibits rapid global spread, similar to SARS-CoV, but with a lower current fatality rate.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms of viral entry, particularly the RBD-receptor interactions, is vital for developing effective countermeasures against coronaviruses.
  • Historical data from SARS and MERS provide valuable insights and strategies for managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The rapid spread and genomic homology of SARS-CoV-2 underscore the need for global preparedness and response to novel infectious diseases.
Keywords:
ACE2COVID-19DPP4MERS CoVSARS CoVSARS CoV-2

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses03:53

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses

Published on: November 10, 2023

1.6K
Quantification and Whole Genome Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Wastewater and Air Samples09:26

Quantification and Whole Genome Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Wastewater and Air Samples

Published on: June 30, 2023

1.4K

Related Concept Videos

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs01:05

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs

A single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP is a single nucleotide variation at a specific genomic position in a large population. It is the most prevalent type of sequence variation found in the human genome. Point mutations that occur in more than 1% of the population qualify as SNPs. These are present once every 1000 nucleotides on an average in the human genome. Replacement of a purine with another purine (A/G) or a pyrimidine with another pyrimidine (C/T) is known as a transition. In contrast,...
17.6K
Viral Mutations00:36

Viral Mutations

A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material...
38.9K
Causality in Epidemiology01:21

Causality in Epidemiology

Causality or causation is a fundamental concept in epidemiology, vital for understanding the relationships between various factors and health outcomes. Despite its importance, there's no single, universally accepted definition of causality within the discipline. Drawing from a systematic review, causality in epidemiology encompasses several definitions, including production, necessary and sufficient, sufficient-component, counterfactual, and probabilistic models. Each has its strengths and...
1.3K
Viral Recombination00:57

Viral Recombination

Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.
24.6K
Introduction to Epidemiology01:26

Introduction to Epidemiology

Epidemiology, known as the cornerstone of public health, involves studying the distribution and determinants of health-related events in defined populations and applying these insights to control health issues. This is essential for understanding how diseases spread, identifying populations at greater risk, and implementing measures to control or prevent outbreaks. Epidemiology addresses not only infectious diseases but also non-communicable conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease,...
1.4K
Steps in Outbreak Investigation01:18

Steps in Outbreak Investigation

In the ever-evolving field of public health, statistical analysis serves as a cornerstone for understanding and managing disease outbreaks. By leveraging various statistical tools, health professionals can predict potential outbreaks, analyze ongoing situations, and devise effective responses to mitigate impact. For that to happen, there are a few possible stages of the analysis:
394