evidence: Three other insertions were identified (Fig. 5a–c). These short sequences are present in SARS-CoV-2 but absent from some chiropteran isolates (i.e., CoVZC45 and CoVZXC21) and from SARS-CoV. The authors of a pre-publication (Pradhan et al. 2020) pointed out a fact they qualify uncanny: at these four insertions, the SARS-CoV-2 S protein shows similarities with fragments of the HIV-1 virus ENV and GAG proteins. However, following critical comments regarding methodological and interpretation weaknesses, the authors withdrew their manuscript from the bioRxiv site. [...] In conclusion, the hypothesis of HIV insertions inside the S gene can be ruled out. The phylogeny indicates that insertions/deletions occur frequently in CoV spike, and that the furin cleavage site, which is unique to SARS-CoV-2 among SARS-like coronaviruses, is the most recent insertion. This insertion plays a key role in SARS-CoV-2 spreading, but unfortunately, the data currently available do not enable us to conclude when, where and how this insertion appeared. Identifying the proximal animal host before the zoonosis might bring an answer to this question.