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Pathogenicity, tissue tropism and potential vertical transmission of SARSr-CoV-2 in Malayan pangolins

Xianghui Liang1, Xiaoyuan Chen1, Junqiong Zhai2

  • 1State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.

Plos Pathogens
|May 17, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Malayan pangolins infected with SARSr-CoV-2 show lung damage similar to COVID-19 patients. The virus infects multiple organs and may transmit vertically from mother to fetus.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Virology
  • Comparative Pathology
  • Zoonotic Diseases

Background:

  • Malayan pangolin SARS-CoV-2-related coronavirus (SARSr-CoV-2) is genetically similar to SARS-CoV-2.
  • Limited data exists on the pathogenicity of SARSr-CoV-2 in pangolins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the pathogenicity and biological characteristics of SARSr-CoV-2 in Malayan pangolins.
  • To compare the pathological manifestations in pangolins with COVID-19 in humans.

Main Methods:

  • Computed tomography (CT) scans for lung imaging.
  • Histological examination of infected organs.
  • Blood gas analysis.
  • Analysis of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression.
  • Transcriptome analysis.

Main Results:

  • CT scans revealed bilateral ground-glass opacities in pangolin lungs, mirroring COVID-19.
  • Histology and blood gas tests indicated dyspnea.
  • SARSr-CoV-2 infected multiple organs, primarily the lungs, with co-expression of viral RNA and host receptors (ACE2, TMPRSS2).
  • Inadequate interferon responses and increased cytokine/chemokine activity were observed.
  • Viral RNA and proteins were detected in pangolin fetuses, suggesting vertical transmission.

Conclusions:

  • SARSr-CoV-2 exhibits significant pathogenicity in Malayan pangolins.
  • Pangolin SARSr-CoV-2 infection shares pathological similarities with human COVID-19.
  • Evidence suggests potential vertical transmission of SARSr-CoV-2 in pangolins.

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