Recombination in Coronaviruses, with a Focus on SARS-CoV-2
Daniele Focosi, Fabrizio Maggi
Abstract
Recombination is a common evolutionary tool for RNA viruses, and coronaviruses are no exception. We review here the evidence for recombination in SARS-CoV-2 and reconcile nomenclature for recombinants, discuss their origin and fitness, and speculate how recombinants could make a difference in the future of the COVID-19 pandemics.
Topics & Concepts
RecombinationCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)PandemicCoronavirus2019-20 coronavirus outbreakBiologyVirologyGeneticsEvolutionary biologyFocus (optics)BetacoronavirusMedicineGeneInfectious disease (medical specialty)DiseasePathologyOutbreakPhysicsOpticsCRISPR and Genetic EngineeringEvolution and Genetic DynamicsSARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research