Evolutionary Analysis of Mammalian ACE2 and the Key Residues Involved in Binding to the Spike Protein Revealed Potential SARS-CoV-2 Hosts
Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV- 2) spilled over to humans via wild mammals, entering the host cell using angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as receptor through Spike (S) protein binding. While SARS-CoV-2 became fully adapted to humans and globally spr...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Pasteur Institute of Iran
2022-03-01
|
| Series: | Journal of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jommid.pasteur.ac.ir/article-1-436-en.html |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-
2) spilled over to humans via wild mammals, entering the host cell using
angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as receptor through Spike (S) protein
binding. While SARS-CoV-2 became fully adapted to humans and globally
spread, some mammal species were infected back. The present study evaluated
the potential risk of mammals becoming hosts for SARS-CoV-2 through
bioinformatics prediction based on ACE2 receptors. Methods: We used
evolutionary bioinformatic approaches and comparative analysis of ACE2
critical residues that bind SARS-CoV-2 S-protein and predicted potential
SARS-CoV-2 hosts among mammals and assessed their risk. Results: ACE2
phylogenetic tree placed primates close to rodents and rabbits. Felines, rodents,
and rabbits had higher ACE2 similarities than human ACE2 (hACE2). Farmed
animals, such as bovids, swine, and equids, had similar ACE2 compared to
hACE2; however, these animals showed low SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility. Some
cetaceans also presented high similarities in ACE2 key residues with hACE2.
Conclusion: Here, we showed wild and domestic mammals with a low
divergence of ACE2 compared to humans, discussing their possible chance of
being infected, especially those animals kept as livestock or pets. Regarding the
feasible transmission through contaminated water, cetaceans can be at risk of
SARS-CoV-2 infection. Extensive surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 should be
applied to prevent new coronavirus outbreaks and preserve mammals from
infectious threats. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2345-5349 2345-5330 |