Detailed phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 reveals latent capacity to bind human ACE2 receptor

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>SARS-CoV-2 is a once-in-a-century pandemic, having emerged suddenly as a highly infectious viral pathogen. Previous phylogenetic analyses show its closest known evolutionary relative to be a virus isolated from bats (RaTG13), with a common assumption that SARS-CoV-2 evolved from a zoonotic ancestor via recent genetic changes (likely in the Spike protein receptor binding domain – or RBD) that enabled it to infect humans. We used detailed phylogenetic analysis, ancestral sequence reconstruction, and molecular dynamics simulations to examine the Spike-RBD’s functional evolution, finding to our surprise that it has likely possessed high affinity for human cell targets since at least 2013.</jats:p>

Necessary problems in re-emergence of COVID-19

“…Furthermore, numerous pieces of evidence show that SARS-CoV-2 infection has occurred in humans for a long time or even years ago. A recent report showed the spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) may have a high affinity for human cell targets at least since 2013[ 34 ]. Besides, the vaccine is the best way to prevent and control virus infection, however, although several candidate vaccines have been applied in clinical trials, the efficacy and safety of these vaccines still need further evaluation.…”