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Global Diversification and Distribution of Coronaviruses With Furin Cleavage Sites

Xiaotong Liu1, Qunfu Wu1, Zhigang Zhang1

  • 1State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|October 25, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Furin cleavage sites in coronaviruses (CoVs) are key for cell entry. This study analyzes their epidemiology and evolution, finding they may explain SARS-CoV-2

Area of Science:

  • Virology and Epidemiology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Coronaviruses (CoVs) with furin cleavage sites (FCS) are critical for cell entry, yet knowledge is limited.
  • FCS mediate glycoprotein hydrolysis, essential for MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • Understanding FCS in CoVs is vital for pandemic preparedness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the global epidemiology and evolutionary history of SARS-CoV-2 and other CoVs with FCS.
  • To identify animal hosts and geographical distribution of CoVs harboring FCS.
  • To explore the role of FCS in the infectivity and spread of CoVs.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of global epidemiological data for SARS-CoV-2 and 248 other CoVs.
  • Examination of evolutionary history of CoVs with 86 diversified FCS.
  • Detection of FCS in CoVs from 24 animal hosts across 28 countries since 1954.

Main Results:

  • FCS were identified in SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-HKU1, and HECV-4408.
  • HECV-4408, with an FCS, was detected in humans, likely from bovine spillover.
  • CoVs with FCS were found in 24 animal hosts across 28 countries.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of FCS may explain the broad infectivity (polytropic nature) of SARS-CoV-2 and similar CoVs.
  • Understanding FCS is crucial for strategies to end the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Identifying FCS in novel CoVs can aid in preventing future outbreaks.
Keywords:
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2coronavirusesdiversificationfurin cleavage site

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