UCL-led study shows 28 mammal species could be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2

The research modelling shows how the virus could infect mammals’ cells. Evidence shows that 28 animals categorised as domestic, agricultural or zoological which are regularly in contact with people, may be susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2. 

The study looked at how the spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 could interact with the ACE2 protein it attaches to when it infects people. The researchers investigated whether mutations in the ACE2 protein in 215 vertebrate species, that make it different from the human version, would reduce binding complex stability between the virus protein and host protein – since binding to the protein allows the virus to gain entry into host cells.

Although the SARS-CoV-2 virus might be able to infect animals via another pathway, it is unlikely based on current evidence that it could infect an animal if a stable binding complex with ACE2 cannot be formed.

Study finds mammals but few fish, birds or reptiles susceptible
The results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 can infect a broad range of mammals, but few fish, birds or reptiles. Susceptible animals could serve as reservoirs of the virus, necessitating careful ongoing animal management and surveillance. 

Professor Christine Orengo, UCL Structural & Molecular Biology and the report’s lead-author said: “The animals we identified may be at risk of outbreaks that could threaten endangered species or harm the livelihoods of farmers. The animals might also act as reservoirs of the virus, with the potential to re-infect humans later on, as has been documented on mink farms. The details of host infection and severity of response are more complex than just the interactions of the spike protein with ACE2, so our research is continuing to explore interactions involving other host virus proteins.”

Large-scale animal surveillance recommended
Professor Joanne Santini, UCL Structural & Molecular Biology and the report’s co-author said: “To protect animals, as well as to protect ourselves from the risk of one day catching COVID-19 from an infected animal, we need large-scale surveillance of animals, particularly pets and farm animals, to catch cases or clusters early on while they’re still manageable.”

The study was conducted by researchers in UCL Biosciences, UCL Science & Technology Studies, National University of Malaysia, King’s College London, and Oxford Brookes University, and was supported by Wellcome, the Newton Fund UK-China NSFC initiative, BBSRC, EDCTP PANDORA-ID NET, NIHR UCLH/UCL Biomedical Research Centre, and the Medical Research Council.

Further information:

UCL News
Nature article
Professor Christine Orengo’s academic profile
Professor Joanne Santini’s academic profile
UCL Structural & Molecular Biology

Image credit:

Pascale Debrunne, Unsplash