2023-12-23 23:13:00
A new study suggests the link between bats and coronaviruses is likely due to a long-standing shared history. This genetic information can help us prevent and manage future pandemics.
“We found that bats were under unusual coronavirus pressure compared to other mammals, supporting the idea that bats are rich sources of coronaviruses and can provide information for prevention or future treatment,” said Dr. Hannah Frank, a bat expert at Tulane University. .
“Animal-borne pandemics highlight the need to understand how natural hosts have evolved in response to emerging human pathogens and which groups may be susceptible to infection and/or potential reservoirs to mitigate public health concerns and conservation,” said Dr. Frank.
The team studied an enzyme called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, or ACE2. This is the host protein that serves as a receptor for the viruses that cause COVID-19 and SARS. Using the largest data set on bats and mammals to date, the experts also studied dipeptidyl peptidase 4, DPP4 or CD26, which acts as a receptor for MERS-CoV, the virus that causes the syndrome. respiratory system of the Middle East.
Both genes are under stronger selection pressure in bats than in other mammals, as well as in residues that come into contact with viruses. Mammal groups vary in their similarity to humans in the residues that come into contact with these viruses. They also show increased similarity to humans with respect to SARS-CoV-2-sensitive binding residues.
The study further supports our understanding of the relationship between coronaviruses and mammals, particularly bats. “It also highlights broad patterns of susceptibility that could prove useful in managing this and future pandemics,” Dr. Frank said.
The team emphasizes that this should not cause fear of bats, as they play important roles in our ecosystem, such as pest control, plant pollination and seed propagation. The U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife estimates that bats eat enough insects to save more than $3 billion a year in crop damage and pesticide costs in the United States.
The study is published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
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Par Katherine Bucko, Threatened-species.fr Editor
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