Comparison of the biological properties of bat-derived filovirus envelope glycoproteins

Several novel filoviruses have recently been identified in bats, including Lloviu, Bombali, Mengla, and Dehong viruses, but their biological properties and zoonotic potential remain unclear. This study aimed to compare the functional characteristics of envelope glycoproteins (GPs) from bat-derived filoviruses with those of pathogenic filoviruses such as Ebola and Marburg viruses. Using virus-like particles and vesicular stomatitis virus pseudotypes, the authors examined GP-mediated particle formation, antigenicity, cell entry mechanisms, and cell tropism. All bat-derived filovirus GPs supported the formation of filamentous particles and mediated cellular entry via known filovirus attachment factors, including TIM-1 and C-type lectins, although entry efficiency was generally lower than that of Ebola virus GP. Antigenic analyses showed limited cross-reactivity between bat-derived filovirus GPs and antibodies against Ebola or Marburg viruses, though partial neutralization was observed for some GPs. Infection assays revealed that bat-derived filovirus GPs could mediate entry into a broad range of mammalian cells, including human cells, while displaying virus- and host-specific differences.
(MN)