# Assessment of genetic diversity, tissue tropism, and antigenic properties of Grimsö betacoronavirus in Swedish bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus)

## TL;DR

This study explores a betacoronavirus in Swedish bank voles, finding it genetically similar to a known virus and suggesting potential for cross-species transmission.

## Contribution

The study identifies GRIV's genetic diversity, tissue tropism, and antigenic properties, highlighting its zoonotic potential.

## Key findings

- GRIV RNA was mainly detected in the respiratory tract of infected voles.
- A Vero E6 cell line was established that stably expresses GRIV N protein.
- GRIV N protein showed low cross-reactivity with common cold coronaviruses but not with SARS-CoV-2 or MERS-CoV.

## Abstract

Zoonotic coronaviruses can transmit over species barriers and infect humans. To understand the zoonotic potential of a betacoronavirus, Grimsö virus (GRIV), we investigated the geographic distribution and tissue tropism of GRIV in Swedish bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus), and the antigenicity of the nucleocapsid (N) protein. We screened the lung tissues from animals collected in the southern Sweden by RT-PCR with primers targeting the spike gene. Seven out of 74 animals were found to be positive. They are genetically close to GRIV from Grimsö, central Sweden. Positive rodents were studied for the tissue distribution of GRIV and GRIV RNA was mainly found in the respiratory tract. After three attempts of virus isolation were failed, we successfully established a Vero E6 cell line that stably expressed GRIV N protein, which has no cross-reactivity with patient serum containing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, or with MERS-CoV. However, a low level of cross-reactivity to common cold coronaviruses was found, likely HCoV-OC43 or HCoV-HKU1, probably due to shared linear epitopes. With the high prevalence and the suggested respiratory transmission route, GRIV may have a high potential for spillover and cross-species transmission, and future serological screening of GRIV infections in domestic animals or humans will be needed.