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Editorial
. 2023 Apr 27;97(4):e0036523.
doi: 10.1128/jvi.00365-23. Epub 2023 Mar 28.

A Critical Analysis of the Evidence for the SARS-CoV-2 Origin Hypotheses

James C Alwine  1   2 , Arturo Casadevall  3 , Lynn W Enquist  2   4 , Felicia D Goodrum  2   5 , Michael J Imperiale  6
Affiliations
Editorial

A Critical Analysis of the Evidence for the SARS-CoV-2 Origin Hypotheses

James C Alwine et al. J Virol. .

Abstract

When humans experience a new, devastating viral infection such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), significant challenges arise. How should individuals as well as societies respond to the situation? One of the primary questions concerns the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that infected and was transmitted efficiently among humans, resulting in a pandemic. At first glance, the question appears straightforward to answer. However, the origin of SARS-CoV-2 has been the topic of substantial debate primarily because we do not have access to some relevant data. At least two major hypotheses have been suggested: a natural origin through zoonosis followed by sustained human-to-human spread or the introduction of a natural virus into humans from a laboratory source. Here, we summarize the scientific evidence that informs this debate to provide our fellow scientists and the public with the tools to join the discussion in a constructive and informed manner. Our goal is to dissect the evidence to make it more accessible to those interested in this important problem. The engagement of a broad representation of scientists is critical to ensure that the public and policy-makers can draw on relevant expertise in navigating this controversy.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus; lab leak; origin; zoonosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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