Coronavirus Virology

The coronavirus (CoV) family comprises a large genetically diverse group of positive sense RNA viruses infecting a wide range of mammalian and avian species, including multiple livestock and companion animal species. CoVs have emergence potential and pose a significant threat to global health as evidenced by the recent COVID-19 pandemic caused by the recently emerged SARS-CoV-2. The CoV genome encodes a series of relatively conserved proteins that guide viral RNA synthesis and genera defining structural and accessory ORF proteins which construct the physical virus particle and/or play immunomodulatory functions. Multiple reverse genetic systems have been developed facilitating the identification of virulence determinants and factors guiding replication. Small animal models of CoV pathogenesis along with the creation of engineered reporter viruses streamlined COVID-19 antiviral and vaccine development. CoV-like epidemic and pandemic strains continue to circulate in zoonotic reservoir species. To maximize pandemic preparedness, continued basic and translational research into the biology of CoVs is needed for the likely emergence of novel CoV in the future.