Vol.:(0123456789) 1 3 Virus Genes https://doi.org/10.1007/s11262-023-01987-z ORIGINAL PAPER The emergence of novel Iranian variants in sheeppox and goatpox viral envelope proteins with remarkably altered putative binding afnities with the host receptor Haider Alwan 1,2  · Maryam Torabi 3  · Hossein Nourani 1  · Mohammed Baqur S. Al‑Shuhaib 2 Received: 18 January 2023 / Accepted: 28 February 2023 © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2023 Abstract The outbreak of Sheep and goat pox (SGP) viral infections have increasingly been reported despite vaccinating the majority of sheep populations in Iran. The objective of this study was to predict the impacts of the SGP P32/envelope variations on the binding with host receptors as a candidate tool to assess this outbreak. The targeted gene was amplifed in a total of 101 viral samples, and the PCR products were subjected to Sanger sequencing. The polymorphism and phylogenetic interac- tions of the identifed variants were assessed. Molecular docking was performed between the identifed P32 variants and the host receptor and the efects of these variants were evaluated. Eighteen variations were identifed in the investigated P32 gene with variable silent and missense efects on the envelope protein. Five groups (G1–G5) of amino acid variations were identifed. While there were no amino acid variations in the G1 (wild-type) viral protein, G2, G3, G4, and G5 proteins had seven, nine, twelve, and fourteen SNPs, respectively. Based on the observed amino acid substitutions, multiple distinct phylogenetic places were occupied from the identifed viral groups. Dramatic alterations were identifed between G2, G4, and G5 variants with their proteoglycan receptor, while the highest binding was revealed between goatpox G5 variant with the same receptor. It was suggested that the higher severity of goatpox viral infection originated from its higher afnity to bind with its cognate receptor. This frm binding may be explained by the observed higher severity of the SGP cases from which G5 samples were isolated. Keywords Sheeppox · Docking · Goatpox · Infection · P32 gene Introduction Sheeppox and goatpox (SGP) viruses cause two highly conta- gious diseases in ovine and caprine populations, respectively [1]. These two viruses, as well as lumpy skin disease virus of cattle [2], are three known members of the Capripoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family [3]. The viruses of this family are among the most powerful and sophisticated viruses that infect mammals [4]. All three members of Capripoxvirus can cause signifcant economic losses due to the emergence of seri- ous disease threats upon their infection, such as reduced milk productivity, damaged skin, and other productivity-related issues [5]. These transboundary diseases negatively impact the sheep and goat industries in both rural communities and indus- trialized countries [6–8]. SGP viruses are also identifed as possible agents of animal bioterrorism due to utilizing blood- sucking insects as vectors for their infections [9]. Due to their signifcant efects on animal health, The World Organization for Animal Health has designated SGP and the other species Edited by Zhen Fu. * Hossein Nourani nourani@um.ac.ir * Mohammed Baqur S. Al-Shuhaib mohammed79@agre.uoqasim.edu.iq; baquralhilly_79@yahoo.com Haider Alwan haider.kadum@agre.uoqasim.edu.iq Maryam Torabi torabi@ivo.ir 1 Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Holy Mashhad 1696700, Iran 2 Department of Animal Production, College of Agriculture, Al-Qasim Green University, 51001 Al-Qasim, Babil, Iraq 3 Reference Laboratory of Pox Virus, Veterinary Organization of Khorasan Razavi, Mashhad 94714, Khorasan Razavi, Iran