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Published on: January 12, 2024
Detection of a Merbecovirus with potential ACE2 usage in France
Océane Rieu1, Stéphane Descorps-Declère2, Anaïs Dufau1
1UMR MIVEGEC/ZACAM, Université de Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
Abstract:
A novel Merbecovirus, designated Cam-2023, has been identified in Pipistrellus pipistrellus in France through non-invasive surveillance. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrates that Cam-2023 belongs to a Merbecovirus clade previously associated with ACE2 usage in closely related viruses detected in the Netherlands and Russia. While the receptor usage of Cam-2023 remains to be functionally validated, sequence similarities within the Spike protein, particularly the receptor-binding domain, suggest a putative association with a Merbecovirus clade previously associated with ACE2 usage. This discovery broadens the known host diversity of this lineage and extends its geographical range to Western Europe. Our findings highlight the importance of continuous surveillance in European bat populations to better characterize the distribution and zoonotic potential of such high-risk coronaviruses.
Insights
A novel Merbecovirus, Cam-2023, was found in bats in France. This discovery expands the known range and host diversity of this virus lineage, highlighting potential zoonotic risks.
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.
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