Novel putative pathogenic viruses identified in pangolins by mining metagenomic data

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Mammalian Virology
• Wildlife Disease Ecology

Background:

• Pangolins, the world's only scaly mammals, are vital reservoirs for pathogenic viruses.
• Habitat loss and poaching threaten pangolin populations, necessitating research into their viromes.
• Understanding pangolin viruses is crucial for assessing potential zoonotic disease risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the virome in pangolin lung tissue using viral metagenomic data.
• To identify and classify novel viral species within pangolins.
• To establish a baseline for future zoonotic disease surveillance.

Main Methods:

• Viral metagenomic sequencing of pangolin lung tissue.
• Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of detected viruses.
• Comparative analysis with known viral strains and genera.

Main Results:

• Discovery and sequencing of two novel anelloviruses (Tettorquevirus and Etatorquevirus genera).
• Identification of two Gemykibivirus genomes and Bat-associated cyclovirus 9.
• Characterization of a potential novel Senecavirus species and a full endogenous retrovirus genome.

Conclusions:

• This virological investigation expands the known diversity of viruses in pangolins.
• The identified viruses provide a reference for understanding pangolin-associated viral populations.
• Findings contribute to assessing future risks of cross-species transmission and zoonotic diseases.