Coronaviruses as a paradigm for the transmission interface between wildlife, livestock and humans

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The importance of coronavirus (CoV) host switching and the zoonotic or epidemic potential of CoV has been underlined by the emergence of a novel CoV in the Arabian Peninsula in 2012, known as the MERS-CoV. In this project we investigate the complex process of coronavirus host switching, integrating various disciplines such as animal ecology, epidemiology, as well as molecular virology and innate immunity research. The objectives in the second working period reflect the new possibilities created by Ghanaian veterinarians entering the team, as well as the pressing need for more insight into reservoirs and origins of MERS-CoV. We continue our investigations of diversity and evolution of CoV in small mammals, working beyond bats in the second working period. We add as a new component the importance of livestock as potential intermediary hosts through virus and antibody testing in livestock. Molecular biology investigations will continue to address the issues of receptor-mediated cell entry and evasion of the target cell´s interferon defence. In the area of training and capacity building, we will continue to provide field training in ecological methodology on site, and add an additional emphasis on practical skills in molecular biology by intensified training abroad. The overall goal of the project is to provide a much better insight into the various stages of viral emergence and to interlink research capacities between the disciplines of ecology and virology, and between investigators in Germany and Ghana.