Determining exactly how SARS-CoV-2 transitioned from animals to humans is now a top priority for many researchers. Bats are known to be a reservoir host for SARS-CoV-2, but with no established means of transmission to humans. Pangolins are the most highly trafficked mammal in the world, with Malayan pangolins widely involved in illicit trade across Southeast Asia. The abundance of these animals illegally traded in wet markets across Wuhan (China) could account for the transmission to humans and the rapid initial spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Can Pangolins be the missing link in coronavirus transmission?
Dear Dr. Talha vai,
Pangolins could be a possible link in COVID-19 transmission. But more in depth study is needed to be assured of the link. However, here is an interesting paper which describes the putative furin cleavage S1/S2 site insertion (12 nucleotide PPAR) in SARS-Cov-2019 S protein but absent in other coronaviruses of the same clade. Again the second furin cleavage site 2 (AYT) is present in SARS-Cov 2019 but absent in MERS cov. It is noted that the first furin cleavage site is also present in MERS cov but with slight variability (PRSVR). This difference can make the spike protein more prone to cleavage and fusion with host membrane.
You can find more detail in https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166354220300528.
Thank you.
Md Nazmul Hasan
Yes, this is interesting. I understand your intension.
Thank you very much for sharing.
Stay safe.
Cheers!!
Pangolins lack some RNA sensors against coronaviruses. A study suggests this might lead to a way of suppressing immune system overreactions.
Article Pangolins Lack IFIH1/MDA5, a Cytoplasmic RNA Sensor That Ini...
Regards,
Joachim
Yes, pangolins are missing link in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from bats to humans.
Article Protein Structure and Sequence Reanalysis of 2019-nCoV Genom...
No, they are not. Article Implications of Haplotype Switching for the Origin and Globa...