According to this correspondence there is no direct evidence for a natural origin of SARS-CoV-2. According to the same letter, a laboratory accident is possible following research with certain coronaviruses.

This same letter, criticizes a previous letter published in the Lancet, which stated that evidence pointed at a natural origin and that alternative views should be associated to conspiracy theories.

The correspondence explains that some unusual features of the SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence suggest that they may have resulted from genetic engineering. Also, adaptation to humans might result from laboratory selection during serial passage in cell cultures or laboratory animals including humanized mice. Finally, laboratory research also includes approaches like gain-of-function experiments based on chimeric viruses. Due to all this, there is plausibility for a research -related origin of the virus.

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