Detection of a Merbecovirus with potential ACE2 usage in France

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Zoonotic Diseases
• Bat Ecology

Background:

• Merbecoviruses are a lineage of coronaviruses known to infect bats.
• Previous studies have linked certain Merbecoviruses to ACE2 receptor usage.
• Surveillance of bat populations is crucial for identifying novel viruses and understanding their potential impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the discovery and initial characterization of a novel Merbecovirus, Cam-2023, identified in Pipistrellus pipistrellus.
• To investigate the phylogenetic placement of Cam-2023 within the Merbecovirus genus.
• To assess the potential zoonotic implications based on sequence analysis.

Main Methods:

• Non-invasive surveillance of Pipistrellus pipistrellus populations in France.
• Phylogenetic analysis of the novel Merbecovirus genome.
• Sequence comparison of the Spike protein, including the receptor-binding domain.

Main Results:

• A novel Merbecovirus, Cam-2023, was identified in French Pipistrellus pipistrellus.
• Phylogenetic analysis placed Cam-2023 within a Merbecovirus clade associated with ACE2 usage.
• Sequence similarities suggest a potential ACE2 receptor association, broadening host and geographic range.

Conclusions:

• The discovery of Cam-2023 in France extends the known geographical distribution of this Merbecovirus lineage to Western Europe.
• Findings underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance in European bats for characterizing high-risk coronaviruses and their zoonotic potential.
• Further functional studies are needed to validate the ACE2 receptor usage of Cam-2023.