In silico analysis of ACE2 from different animal species provides new insights into SARS-CoV-2 species spillover: supplementary materials

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the phylogenetic relationships between the ACE2 of humans and

other animals and investigate the potential interaction between SARS-CoV-2 RBD and ACE2 of different

species. Materials & methods: The phylogenetic construction and molecular interactions were assessed

using computational models. Results & conclusion: Despite the evolutionary distance, 11 species had a

perfect fit for the interaction between their ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 RBD (Chinchilla lanigera, Neovison

vison, Rhinolophus sinicus, Emballonura alecto, Saccopteryx bilineata, Numida meleagris). Among them,

the avian N. meleagris was reported for the first time in this study as a probable SARS-CoV-2 host due to

the strong molecular interactions. Therefore, predicting potential hosts for SARS-CoV-2 for understanding

the epidemiological cycle and proposal of surveillance strategies