Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

Result for
Topic: Virology


March 5, 2020

2019 novel coronavirus is undergoing active recombination

Recent news reports and some scientific literature has begun to explore patterns of genetic recombination of SARS-CoV-2. Two new reports provide evidence of such recombination, which is relevant to public health and health care professionals in that such viral changes could influence the accuracy of testing assays, change transmission dynamics, and influence treatment efficacy.  Yi…


February 27, 2020

Systematic Comparison of Two Animal-to-Human Transmitted Human Coronaviruses: SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV

Xu et al. provide a detailed systematic review and comparison of two animal-to human transmitted human coronaviruses, SARS-COV and SARS-CoV-2, in the context of virus incubation, originations, diagnosis and treatment methods, genomic and proteomic sequences, and pathogenic mechanisms. Xu et al. (Feb 22, 2020). Systematic Comparison of Two Animal-to-Human Transmitted Human Coronaviruses: SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV….


Composition and divergence of coronavirus spike proteins and host ACE2 receptors predict potential intermediate hosts of SARS-CoV-2

The search for possible intermediate hosts of SARS-CoV-2 is still ongoing.  Liu et al. (Feb 27, 2020) Composition and divergence of coronavirus spike proteins and host ACE2 receptors predict potential intermediate hosts of SARS-CoV-2. Pre-print downloaded Feb 27 from https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.25726


Genomic variations of COVID-19 suggest multiple outbreak sources of transmission

Zhang et al. reported evolution of COVID-19 strains to form two well-supported clades (Type I and II). Type II strains likely evolved from Type I and are more prevalent than Type I among infected patients. Second, by analyzing the three genomic sites distinguishing Type I and Type II strains, they found that the synonymous changes…


February 10, 2020

Genome Composition and Divergence of the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Originating in China

The 2019-nCoV virus genome has undergone in-depth annotation, and differences between the virus and SARS and SARS-like coronaviruses are described. These differences may explain functional and pathogenic differences between the viruses. Wu et al (Feb 7, 2020). Genome Composition and Divergence of the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Originating in China. Cell Host & Microbe. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2020.02.001


Protein structure and sequence re-analysis of 2019-nCoV genome does not indicate snakes as its intermediate host or the unique similarity between its spike protein insertions and HIV-I

Researchers re-analyzed data reported in two prior papers that suggested snakes are an intermediary host for 2019-nCov. Their results do not support this conclusion, pointing instead to mammals and birds as more likely intermediary hosts. Findings also indicated that the previously reported “unlikely” similarity between a 2019-nCoV spike protein insertion and that of HIV-I was…


February 7, 2020

A database resource for Genome-wide dynamics analysis of Coronaviruses on a historical and global scale

Researchers developed an online coronavirus databases to facilitate genomics and protemics analysis. This publicly accessible database is free to access at: http://covdb.popgenetics.net  Zhu et al. (Feb 7, 2020). A database resource for Genome-wide dynamics analysis of Coronaviruses on a historical and global scale. Pre Print downloaded Feb 7 from: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.05.920009v1


February 6, 2020

Origin and evolution of the 2019 novel coronavirus

Based on a phylogenetic analysis (FastTree), Zhang, et al. report finding six 2019-nCoV genotypes based on 27 isolates collected from Wuhan, two other Chinese cities, and one Thai city. They suggest infections outside Wuhan originating from different places in Wuhan.  Zhang L, et al. (Feb 3, 2020). Origin and evolution of the 2019 novel coronavirus….


February 5, 2020

Machine learning-based analysis of genomes suggests associations between Wuhan 2019-nCoV and bat Betacoronaviruses

Randhawa, et al. use a machine-learning approach to confirm classification of 2019-nCoV as a Betacoronavirus, subgenus Sarbecovirus, of bat origin Randhawa, et al. (Feb 4, 2020). Machine learning-based analysis of genomes suggests associations between Wuhan 2019-nCoV and bat Betacoronaviruses. Pre-Print downloaded on 5 Feb, 2020 from, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.03.932350v1 


Genomic variance of the 2019-nCoV coronavirus

A phylogenetic analysis including 2019-nCoV, SARS-CoV and bat CoVs found evidence of the evolutionary link between bat and bat/SARS-CoV-like viruses and 2019-nCoV, with bat/Yunnan/RaTG13/2013 as a potential most-recent ancestor. Additional epitope identification is also presented. Ramaiah A and Arumugaswami V (Jan 30, 2020). Genomic variance of the 2019-nCoV coronavirus. Pre-Print downloaded on 5 Feb, 2020…



Next page