Identification of a new human coronavirus

TLDR

Three human coronaviruses are known to exist: HCoV‑229E, HCoV‑OC43 and SARS‑CoV. The study reports the identification of a fourth human coronavirus, HCoV‑NL63, using a novel virus discovery method. The virus was isolated from a 7‑month‑old child with bronchiolitis and conjunctivitis. Genome sequencing revealed HCoV‑NL63 is a novel group 1 coronavirus with a unique spike protein N‑terminal fragment, replicates in tertiary monkey kidney cells and LLC‑MK2, and screening of respiratory samples identified seven additional cases, suggesting widespread human circulation.

Abstract

Three human coronaviruses are known to exist: human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E), HCoV-OC43 and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Here we report the identification of a fourth human coronavirus, HCoV-NL63, using a new method of virus discovery. The virus was isolated from a 7-month-old child suffering from bronchiolitis and conjunctivitis. The complete genome sequence indicates that this virus is not a recombinant, but rather a new group 1 coronavirus. The in vitro host cell range of HCoV-NL63 is notable because it replicates on tertiary monkey kidney cells and the monkey kidney LLC-MK2 cell line. The viral genome contains distinctive features, including a unique N-terminal fragment within the spike protein. Screening of clinical specimens from individuals suffering from respiratory illness identified seven additional HCoV-NL63-infected individuals, indicating that the virus was widely spread within the human population.