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Pangolin merbecovirus gets down to (poly)basics

Stuart J D Neil1

  • 1Department of Infectious Disease, King's College London, London, UK.

Cell
|February 21, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Live mammal trafficking poses a zoonotic virus risk. A new study found a MERS-related coronavirus in trafficked pangolins, exhibiting broad mammal adaptability and a novel furin cleavage site.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Zoonotic Diseases
  • Wildlife Trade

Background:

  • Live mammal trafficking is a significant pathway for the emergence of zoonotic viruses.
  • Pangolins, the most trafficked mammals globally, have previously been linked to SARS-CoV-2-related coronaviruses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and characteristics of coronaviruses in trafficked pangolins.
  • To assess the zoonotic potential of identified coronaviruses.

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenetic analysis of viral genetic material.
  • In silico analysis of viral protein structures and functions.

Main Results:

  • Identification of a MERS-related coronavirus in trafficked pangolins.
  • The identified coronavirus demonstrates broad tropism across various mammalian species.
  • A newly acquired furin cleavage site was detected in the Spike protein of the MERS-related coronavirus.

Conclusions:

  • Trafficked pangolins harbor MERS-related coronaviruses with significant zoonotic potential.
  • The presence of a furin cleavage site suggests enhanced viral entry and transmission capabilities.
  • This finding underscores the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and regulation of the wildlife trade to mitigate pandemic risks.

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