Seasonal human coronavirus NL63 epidemics in children in Guilin, China, reveal the emergence of a new subgenotype of HCoV-NL63

Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2024 Apr 26:14:1378804. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1378804. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Introduction: Seasonal human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) is a frequently encountered virus linked to mild upper respiratory infections. However, its potential to cause more severe or widespread disease remains an area of concern. This study aimed to investigate a rare localized epidemic of HCoV-NL63-induced respiratory infections among pediatric patients in Guilin, China, and to understand the viral subtype distribution and genetic characteristics.

Methods: In this study, 83 pediatric patients hospitalized with acute respiratory infections and positive for HCoV-NL63 were enrolled. Molecular analysis was conducted to identify the viral subgenotypes and to assess genetic variations in the receptor-binding domain of the spiking protein.

Results: Among the 83 HCoV-NL63-positive children, three subgenotypes were identified: C4, C3, and B. Notably, 21 cases exhibited a previously unreported subtype, C4. Analysis of the C4 subtype revealed a unique amino acid mutation (I507L) in the receptor-binding domain of the spiking protein, which was also observed in the previously reported C3 genotype. This mutation may suggest potential increases in viral transmissibility and pathogenicity.

Discussion: The findings of this study highlight the rapid mutation dynamics of HCoV-NL63 and its potential for increased virulence and epidemic transmission. The presence of a unique mutation in the C4 subtype, shared with the C3 genotype, raises concerns about the virus's evolving nature and its potential public health implications. This research contributes valuable insights into the understanding of HCoV-NL63's epidemiology and pathogenesis, which is crucial for effective disease prevention and control strategies. Future studies are needed to further investigate the biological significance of the observed mutation and its potential impact on the virus's transmissibility and pathogenicity.

Keywords: clinical characteristics; human coronavirus NL63; molecular epidemiology; new subgenotype; whole-genome sequencing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • China / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections* / transmission
  • Coronavirus Infections* / virology
  • Coronavirus NL63, Human* / genetics
  • Epidemics*
  • Female
  • Genotype*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Mutation
  • Phylogeny*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / epidemiology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / virology
  • Seasons
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / genetics
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / metabolism

Substances

  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This work was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China 2023YFC2605602, the Project of National Pathogen Resource Collection Center (Grant NO. NPRC-32), SKLID Development Grant (Grant NO. 2011SKLID104).