COVID-19 Variants Show Limited Infection and Replication in Bat ACE2 Cell Lines

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the US National Poultry Research Center have published new data on the COVID-19 pandemic, shedding light on the limited infection and replication of SARS-CoV-2 viruses in bat ACE2 cell lines. The study demonstrated that while ACE2 from the common vampire bat and pallid bat can be utilized by SC2 viruses to gain entry for infection, later variants such as Lambda and Omicron replicate poorly in these cell lines.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study utilized ACE2 genes from the common vampire bat (* * Desmodus rotundus* * ) and the pallid bat (* * Antrozous pallidus* * ) to create cell lines that express ACE2 along with human TMPRSS2.
  • The researchers found that the original Wuhan lineage (WA1) virus and the Delta variant were able to infect and replicate in either of the bat ACE2 cell lines.
  • However, the Lambda and Omicron variant viruses infected both cell lines, but viral titers did not increase following infection.
  • Immunofluorescence demonstrated abundant spike (S) protein staining for the WA1 and Delta variants but little signal for the Lambda and Omicron variants.
  • The study suggests that more efficient human adaptation in later SC2 variants may result in reduced fitness for replication in other animal species.
  • The research was supported by the U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service Agreement, USDA, Aphis, Vs. Iaa, and USDA, Ars, Cris Project.

Statistics:

  • Two cell lines were produced, CVB-ACE2 and PB-ACE2, expressing ACE2 from the common vampire bat and pallid bat, respectively.
  • The study demonstrated that the original Wuhan lineage (WA1) virus and the Delta variant were able to infect and replicate in either of the bat ACE2 cell lines.
  • The Lambda and Omicron variant viruses infected both cell lines, but viral titers did not increase following infection.
  • Immunofluorescence staining showed abundant spike (S) protein for the WA1 and Delta variants, while little signal was detected for the Lambda and Omicron variants.
  • The study suggests that more efficient human adaptation in later SC2 variants may result in reduced fitness for replication in other animal species.

Sources:

  • The ACE2 Receptor from Common Vampire Bat (* * Desmodus rotundus* * ) and Pallid Bat (* * Antrozous pallidus* * ) Support Attachment and Limited Infection of SARS-CoV-2 Viruses in Cell Culture. Viruses, 2025,17(4):507.
  • US National Poultry Research Center Researchers Have Published New Data on COVID-19 [The ACE2 Receptor from Common Vampire Bat (* * Desmodus rotundus* * ) and Pallid Bat (* * Antrozous pallidus* * ) Support Attachment and Limited Infection of ...]. Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. May 18, 2025; p 434.