Pasteur University, together with Lao National University, checked and proved a version of the natural origin of the coronavirus SARS-COV-2. The research preprint is published on the Nature website, RIA Novosti reports.
Scientists were able to find new evidence of this version. For several months, they observed 645 volatile mice of various types from Southeast Asia. According to the results of the study, it turned out that those mice that live in limestone caves of Laos are carriers of three viruses (BANAL-52, BANAL-103 and BANAL-236), as well as a binding domain receptor (RBD, part of a protein binding with human cells – Approx. “Tape.ru”). As a result, experts noticed that this domain is close to the “Wuhan” pathogen variant.
Researchers believe that Banal-52, Banal-103 and Banal-236 – “Nearest ancestors SARS-COV-2”, but they do not have a so-called piece of cleavage of Furin in S-protein, which helps the virus faster penetrate in the body.
In conclusion, the authors of the work stated that this conclusion was another proof of their assumption that SARS-COV-2 appeared and developed naturally. Soon, researchers will continue to explore whether a person can get infected with this virus when contacting volatile mice.
Previously, scientists from the University of Maryland said that mutating coronavirus is better transmitted by air-droplet. American researchers revealed the danger of different SARS-COV-2 strains. Scientists conducted an experiment, asking people with different options for COVID-19 three times repeat the alphabet or sing a song.