Replication, pathogenicity, and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in minks

Abstract Minks are raised in many countries and have transmitted severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to humans. However, the biologic properties of SARS-CoV-2 in minks are largely unknown. Here, we investigated and found that SARS-CoV-2 replicates efficiently in both the upp...

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Published in:National Science Review 2021-03, Vol.8 (3), p.nwaa291-nwaa291
Main Authors: Shuai, Lei, Zhong, Gongxun, Yuan, Quan, Wen, Zhiyuan, Wang, Chong, He, Xijun, Liu, Renqiang, Wang, Jinliang, Zhao, Qinjian, Liu, Yuxiu, Huo, Ningning, Deng, Junhua, Bai, Jingjing, Wu, Hongchao, Guan, Yuntao, Shi, Jianzhong, Tian, Kegong, Xia, Ningshao, Chen, Hualan, Bu, Zhigao
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
MICROBIOLOGY
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Summary:Abstract Minks are raised in many countries and have transmitted severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to humans. However, the biologic properties of SARS-CoV-2 in minks are largely unknown. Here, we investigated and found that SARS-CoV-2 replicates efficiently in both the upper and lower respiratory tracts, and transmits efficiently in minks via respiratory droplets; pulmonary lesions caused by SARS-CoV-2 in minks are similar to those seen in humans with COVID-19. We further found that a spike protein-based subunit vaccine largely prevented SARS-CoV-2 replication and lung damage caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection in minks. Our study indicates that minks are a useful animal model for evaluating the efficacy of drugs or vaccines against COVID-19 and that vaccination is a potential strategy to prevent minks from transmitting SARS-CoV-2.
ISSN:2095-5138
2053-714X
DOI:10.1093/nsr/nwaa291