RaTG13

RaTG13 is a bat coronavirus discovered in a Rhinolophus affinis bat in 2013 and sampled in 2015 in the Mojiang mine in Yunnan Province, China. Its genome sequence was published in 2020 and gained prominence due to its close relationship to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.

RaTG13 shares approximately 96% of its genome with SARS-CoV-2, making it the closest known relative discovered thus far. Despite this similarity, significant differences exist, particularly in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein, which is crucial for viral entry into host cells. This difference in the RBD means that RaTG13 does not bind to the human ACE2 receptor as efficiently as SARS-CoV-2, suggesting it is unlikely to infect humans directly in its current form.

The discovery of RaTG13 has been vital for understanding the evolutionary origins of SARS-CoV-2 and the processes involved in the emergence of novel coronaviruses. Its genome sequence allows researchers to compare and contrast genetic features, providing insights into the mechanisms of viral adaptation and host switching. Ongoing research focuses on identifying intermediate hosts and understanding the evolutionary pathway that led from viruses like RaTG13 to SARS-CoV-2.

Further research and sampling of bat populations, particularly in regions where Rhinolophus bats are prevalent, are crucial to continue filling the gaps in our understanding of coronavirus evolution and pandemic preparedness.