Virological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2-related coronaviruses dynamically circulating in Southeast Asia.
Summary
Two distinct clades of SARS-CoV-2–related coronaviruses co-circulate in Thai horseshoe bats. One clade binds human ACE2 yet shows reduced fusogenicity, replication, pathogenicity, and transmissibility versus SARS-CoV-2. Recombination and recent geographic movement shape their complex evolutionary dynamics, informing risk assessment and surveillance.
Key Findings
- Identified two SC2r-CoV clades co-circulating in the same bat population in Thailand.
- One clade binds human ACE2 but shows reduced fusogenicity, replication, pathogenicity, and transmissibility compared with SARS-CoV-2.
- Phylogeography and recombination analyses reveal extensive recent geographic movement and inter-lineage recombination shaping evolution.
Clinical Implications
Refines priority targets for genomic surveillance, helps calibrate spillover risk, and guides preemptive countermeasure development (e.g., broadly neutralizing antibodies, vaccines) against high-risk sarbecoviruses.
Why It Matters
This study integrates structural, in vitro, in vivo, and phylogeographic analyses to functionally de-risk bat coronaviruses with human ACE2-binding capacity, providing an evidence-based framework for surveillance and pandemic preparedness.
Limitations
- Findings derive from bat sampling in Thailand; generalizability to other regions and hosts remains uncertain.
- Reduced in vitro/in vivo fitness versus SARS-CoV-2 does not eliminate future adaptation potential.
Future Directions
Expand longitudinal, multi-country bat and intermediate-host surveillance with functional characterization; assess cross-neutralization by broadly neutralizing antibodies and pan-sarbecovirus vaccine candidates.
Study Information
- Study Type
- Case series
- Research Domain
- Pathophysiology
- Evidence Level
- IV - Preclinical mechanistic and in vivo evidence without direct clinical outcomes.
- Study Design
- OTHER