SARS-CoV-2 variants of interest can infect mice: host range extended

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is capable of infecting some species, while others are naturally resistant to it. This determines the "host range" of the virus. The SARS-CoV-2 host range includes humans, non-human primates, hamsters, mink and cats. Since the start of the pandemic, mice and rats had proven to be resistant to SARS-CoV-2, because their ACE2 receptor, which allows the virus to enter cells, is very different from the human receptor. Because of its structure, this receptor prevents sufficient contact between the virus and the cell and confers protection on these animals. Scientists from the Institut Pasteur have demonstrated that, unlike the first identified strain, the new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) are capable of infecting animal models in the laboratory.

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