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Spread of Mink SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Humans: A Model of Sarbecovirus Interspecies Evolution

Christian A Devaux1,2,3, Lucile Pinault1, Jérémy Delerce1

  • 1Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|October 7, 2021
PubMed

Insights

SARS-CoV-2 variants in minks show increased affinity for human ACE2, potentially impacting vaccine effectiveness. However, key antibody targets remain largely unaffected, suggesting continued vaccine utility.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants raised concerns about vaccine escape.
  • Mink-associated variants were found in humans, prompting investigations into their evolutionary dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate SARS-CoV-2 variant circulation in minks as a model for sarbecovirus interspecies evolution.
  • To compare human and mink receptor interactions and analyze mutation impacts on the spike protein.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of human and mink angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and neuropilin 1 (NRP-1) receptors.
  • Sequence comparison of SARS-CoV-2 from human and mink hosts.
  • 3D structural analysis of spike protein mutations and prediction of linear epitopes.

Main Results:

  • Mink-selected variants (Y453F/D614G) exhibit enhanced affinity for human ACE2.
  • These variants show reduced susceptibility to neutralization by a specific monoclonal antibody.
  • Major predicted neutralizing antibody epitopes are unlikely to be lost due to these mutations.

Conclusions:

  • Mink-derived SARS-CoV-2 variants possess characteristics that could influence interspecies transmission and immune evasion.
  • The findings support the continued rational use of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines while highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance.
Keywords:
ACE2COVID-19COVID-19 vaccinesNRP-1SARS-CoV-2mink coronavirusvariant viruses

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