SARS-CoV-2 utilization of ACE2 from different bat species allows for virus entry and replication in vitro

Authors: BRIGGS, KELSEY - Orise Fellow; Sweeney, Ryan; BLEHERT, DAVID - Us Geological Survey (USGS); Spackman, Erica; Suarez, David; Kapczynski, Darrell

Submitted to: Virology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/4/2023
Publication Date: 7/5/2023
Citation: Briggs, K., Sweeney, R.P., Blehert, D.S., Spackman, E., Suarez, D.L., Kapczynski, D.R. 2023. SARS-CoV-2 utilization of ACE2 from different bat species allows for virus entry and replication in vitro. Virology. 586:122-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.virol.2023.07.002.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.virol.2023.07.002

Interpretive Summary: The current global pandemic is caused by a coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2. The virus infects humans and other animal species. These animals have the potential to transmit virus to humans. Previously, we developed a SARS-CoV-2 infection model using a cell line that supports replication of the virus. Using this model, we introduce the attachment receptor from different bat species to determine if the virus can bind the receptor to infect and replicate. Using this model allows us to determine which species of animals might be reservoirs of the virus without testing live animals. Results from our model demonstrate that the SARS-CoV-2 virus and variants, Delta and Lambda, can infect and replicate in cells expressing the bat receptor. These data support the contribution of different bat species as a potential host and vector for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to other animal species.

Technical Abstract: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is believed to have a zoonotic origin with bats suspected as a natural host. In this work, we individually express the ACE2 of seven bat species including, little brown, great roundleaf, Pearson's horseshoe, greater horseshoe, Brazilian free-tailed, Egyptian rousette, and Chinese rufous horseshoe in DF1 cells and determine their ability to support attachment and replication of SARS-CoV-2 viruses. We demonstrate that the ACE2 receptor of all seven species made DF1 cells permissible to SARS-CoV-2. The level of virus replication differed between bat species and variants tested. The Wuhan lineage SARS-CoV-2 virus replicated to higher titers than either variant virus tested. All viruses tested grew to higher titers in cells expressing the human ACE2 gene compared to a bat ACE2. This study provides a practical in vitromethod for further testing of animal species for potential susceptibility to current and emerging SARS-CoV-2 viruses.