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UK B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant exhibits increased respiratory replication and shedding in nonhuman primates

Kyle Rosenke1, Friederike Feldmann2, Atsushi Okumura1

  • 1Laboratory of Virology, Hamilton, MT, USA.

Emerging Microbes & Infections
|November 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant (B.1.1.7) increased respiratory replication in monkeys but did not worsen disease. The D614G variant showed more gastrointestinal shedding.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Comparative Pathology

Background:

  • Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants necessitate evaluating differences in replication, shedding, and disease.
  • The B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant and D614G progenitor are key SARS-CoV-2 strains.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the replication and disease potential of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant versus its D614G progenitor in African green monkeys.
  • To assess differences in viral shedding and tissue tropism between these variants.

Main Methods:

  • African green monkeys were intranasally inoculated with either the B.1.1.7 or D614G SARS-CoV-2 variant.
  • Clinical presentation, viral RNA levels, and infectious virus titers were measured in respiratory, gastrointestinal, and rectal samples.
  • Viral RNA and infectious virus loads were quantified in various tissue samples.

Main Results:

  • Both B.1.1.7 and D614G variants caused mild respiratory disease with no significant clinical differences.
  • B.1.1.7 infected animals exhibited significantly higher viral RNA and infectious virus levels in the respiratory tract.
  • D614G infected animals showed significantly higher viral RNA and infectious virus levels in rectal swabs and gastrointestinal tissues.

Conclusions:

  • SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant infection in African green monkeys is linked to enhanced respiratory replication and shedding.
  • No significant disease enhancement was observed for the B.1.1.7 variant in this model, mirroring human observations.
  • Differential tropism was observed, with B.1.1.7 favoring the respiratory tract and D614G showing increased gastrointestinal involvement.
Keywords:
African green monkeySARS-CoV-2transmissionvariants of concern (VOC)virulence

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