Mammals are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 virus

  In a recent research report published in the international journal "Science Reports", scientists from University College London and other institutions simulated the mechanism of this virus infecting various animal cells. Since then, many animals have suffered from SARS-CoV-2 , Found that it may be vulnerable to infection. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19. In this article, the researchers found evidence that 26 kinds of animals that are in frequent contact with humans may be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. The researchers clarified that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and host cell surface ACE2 during the development of infection The molecular mechanism of interaction between proteins. In this study, the researchers studied 215 different animal host cells. Regardless of whether there is a mutation in the surface ACE2 protein, the mutation will make the ACE2 protein different from the human host ACE2 protein and reduce the stability of the binding complex between the viral protein and the host protein. Once bound to the host protein, the virus can easily invade host cells. Of course, the virus can also infect animal hosts in other ways. Current research evidence shows that if the virus cannot bind to ACE2 to form a stable complex, it is unlikely. It can infect animal hosts. Researchers have discovered that in animals such as sheep and monkeys, these proteins can bind as tightly as a virus infects humans. Similarly, in some animals, researchers may not be able to identify the animal because it has not been tested for infection. It must be infected with SARS-CoV-2. Researchers hope to observe and further monitor and investigate which animals are at risk of infection, not just animals, for experimental research. In addition, the researchers performed a more detailed structural analysis of specific animals to better understand how different animals have different risks of infection. After comparing the findings with other experimental data, the researchers set thresholds to predict which animals are at risk of infection and which animals are unlikely to be infected.

  Finally, the researchers found that most birds, fish and reptiles do not seem to be at risk of infection, but most studies indicate that mammals may be infected. The details of the host infection and the severity of the response are much more complicated than the interaction between the viral synaptic protein and ACE2, so later researchers described the interaction between the virus and other host viral proteins. We will continue to investigate. These findings are basically consistent with live animal experiments, and reported cases of infection, indicating that domestic cats, dogs, minks, lions and tigers may all be infected. Animals have also reported cases of infection. Ferrets and Makaku were infected in laboratory studies. Unlike laboratory-based research, SuDatt Lam, the lead author of this article, can easily apply these methods to future disease outbreaks because the computational analysis methods designed by the researchers can be executed automatically and quickly. Unfortunately, humans continue to interfere with the natural habitat of animals, and virus outbreaks are more common today.

  Widely monitor more animals, especially pets and livestock, and detect cases and animal communities in a controlled manner to protect animals and humans from the risk of COVID-19 infection. Incidents and interventions. It is also important to take hygienic measures when humans come into contact with animals to reduce the risk of disease transmission.