New Bat Coronavirus Shares Key Feature With COVID-19, Raising Concerns
RIO DE JANEIRO – A newly discovered bat coronavirus in Brazil, dubbed BRZ batCoV, possesses a functional furin cleavage site (FCS) at the S1/S2 junction of its spike protein - a characteristic shared with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The finding, currently awaiting peer review, is prompting concern among researchers who warn it could signal increased zoonotic potential.
the FCS is a component that contributes to the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect human cells. Researchers found the FCS in BRZ batCoV differs from that of SARS-CoV-2 by only a single amino acid, and note that other bat betacoronaviruses also exhibit FCS in the same location, suggesting the feature can readily emerge in these viruses. This revelation underscores the potential for novel coronaviruses with pandemic potential to arise in bat populations.
While the study did not directly assess the infectiousness of BRZ batCoV in humans, the presence of the FCS is considered a cautionary sign. “Although the presence of an FCS is clearly vital, any discussion of the zoonotic potential of this virus should be limited,” the researchers wrote. Limited monitoring of viruses in Brazil and other parts of the Americas raises the possibility that similar viruses may already be circulating undetected.
The research team emphasizes the need for improved tracking of bat coronaviruses, given that many human diseases originate as zoonotic infections - those that jump from animals to people, like the original SARS outbreak. Bats are considered prime suspects for harboring the next pandemic-causing virus.
“Our study provides a broader understanding of the phylogenetics and functional diversity of bat coronaviruses, in addition to their zoonotic potential,” the researchers stated.
