Bioinformatic analysis of the spike protein cleavage sites of coronaviruses in the mammalian order Eulipotyphla

Qinghua Guo , Annette Choi , Jean K. Millet (1) , Gary R Whittaker

1 VIM (UR 0892) - Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires

Abstract The mammalian order Eulipotyphla, including hedgehogs and shrews, represent a poorly understood reservoir of coronaviruses with zoonotic potential. Here, we carried out a bioinformatic analyses of these viruses based on the viral spike protein—to illustrate the complexity of coronavirus evolutionary history and the diversity of viruses from these host species, with a focus on the presence of possible furin cleavage sites within the spike protein. We found no evidence for cleavage by furin itself; however, certain strains of Wencheng Sm Shrew coronavirus were shown to have a predicted cleavage site for other member of the proprotein convertases, which are furin family members— suggesting their spillover potential. As the expanding urbanization and the trade of small mammals in the wet markets enhance the wildlife-human interactions, this may increase pathogen spillover risks. Therefore, we should implement broad wild animal surveillance and be vigilant of contact with these small wild mammals in light of one-health perspectives.

Mots clés: preprint Virus Strain ProP furin prediction

Domaines: Santé

Qinghua Guo, Annette Choi, Jean K. Millet, Gary R Whittaker. Bioinformatic analysis of the spike protein cleavage sites of coronaviruses in the mammalian order Eulipotyphla. 2024. ⟨hal-04494499⟩