Richard Goldstein 'Evolution of mutation hotspots facilitates rapid SARS-CoV-2 adaptation'

UGI Seminar Series

Speaker:             Richard Goldstein (UCL Department of Infection & Immunity)
Time:                    2pm – 3pm (note earlier than normal time)
Venue:                 Chadwick B05 LT (video map

'Evolution of mutation hotspots facilitates rapid SARS-CoV-2 adaptation'

Coronaviruses have undergone zoonotic transfers multiple times, resulting in MERS, SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and common colds. The history of these viruses indicate numerous prior transitions between wild and tame animal species. After establishing itself in humans, SARS-CoV-2 continued to shift to other hosts including mink, deer, cats (including lions, tigers, snow leopards and lynx) and dogs. SARS-CoV-2 provides a remarkable illustration of how a virus can simultaneously adapt to transmit within and between a broad range of host species, antagonising their host’s diverse innate immune defences and hijacking essential host functions. How is this virus able to shift so readily between different hosts? Why did SARS-CoV-2 seem to adapt so efficiently to humans? Has SARS-CoV-2 adapted to a nomadic existence, with specific adaptations that facilitate host shifts? The surprising answer is 'yes'. In particular, SARS-CoV-2 has evolved to have mutations where they are likely to be adaptive. This is in striking contrast to the classical expectation that evolution is driven by selection acting on random change. Understanding this mechanism may allow better prediction of SARS-CoV-2 evolution and help us assess the pandemic potential of other emerging generalist viruses.