Replication, pathogenicity, and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in minks

Shuai, Lei; Zhong, Gongxun; Yuan, Quan; Wen, Zhiyuan; Wang, Chong; He, Xijun; Liu, Renqiang; Wang, Jinliang; Zhao, Qinjian; Liu, Yuxiu; Huo, Ningning; Deng, Junhua; Bai, Jingjing; Wu, Hongchao; Guan, Yuntao; Shi, Jianzhong; Tian, Kegong; Xia, Ningshao; Chen, Hualan; Bu, Zhigao

Minks are raised in many countries and have transmitted severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to humans. However, the biologic properties of SARS-CoV-2 in minks are largely unknown. Here, we investigated and found that SARS-CoV-2 replicates efficiently in both the upper and lower respiratory tracts, and transmits efficiently in minks via respiratory droplets; pulmonary lesions caused by SARS-CoV-2 in minks are similar to those seen in humans with COVID-19. We further found that a spike protein-based subunit vaccine largely prevented SARS-CoV-2 replication and lung damage caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection in minks. Our study indicates that minks are a useful animal model for evaluating the efficacy of drugs or vaccines against COVID-19 and that vaccination is a potential strategy to prevent minks from transmitting SARS-CoV-2.