The origin and evolution of pathogenic coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, are closely linked to bats. These viruses, which emerged in humans at the beginning of the 21st century, are believed to have originated in bats. Genetic diversity of coronaviruses related to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV has been found in bats worldwide. SARS-CoV uses ACE2 as a receptor and primarily infects ciliated bronchial epithelial cells and type II pneumocytes, while MERS-CoV uses DPP4 as a receptor and infects uniciliated bronchial epithelial cells and type II pneumocytes. Both viruses are thought to have originated in bats. Extensive studies of these viruses have led to a better understanding of coronavirus biology and have driven discovery in bats. The origin and evolution of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV are discussed, emphasizing their ecological distribution, genetic diversity, interspecies transmission, and potential for pathogenesis. Bat-borne coronaviruses show diversity and potential for spillover, as evidenced by the recent spillover of SADS-CoV to pigs. The receptor usage of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV is crucial for their host range. SARS-CoV uses ACE2, while MERS-CoV uses DPP4. The variability of SARS-CoV in humans and civets is discussed, with key mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) affecting transmission. Bat SARSr-CoVs show variability in the S, ORF8, and ORF3 regions. The receptor-binding motif (RBM) of SARS-CoV is crucial for host range, with mutations in residues 479 and 487 affecting transmission. MERS-CoV uses DPP4 as a receptor, and its receptor-binding domain (RBD) differs from SARS-CoV. The variability of MERS-CoV in humans and camels is discussed, with key mutations in the S, ORF4b, and ORF3 regions. Bat MERSr-CoVs show variability in the S and accessory genes. The receptor usage of MERS-CoV and MERSr-CoV is crucial for their host range, with MERS-CoV using DPP4. SADS-CoV, a novel coronavirus, was identified as the causative agent of swine acute diarrhoea syndrome. The origin and evolution of these coronaviruses highlight the importance of understanding their genetic diversity, receptor usage, and potential for spillover. Future research should focus on the biological properties of these viruses to prevent and control emerging SARS-like or MERS-like diseases. The prevention of viral zoonosis requires maintaining barriers between natural reservoirs and human society.The origin and evolution of pathogenic coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, are closely linked to bats. These viruses, which emerged in humans at the beginning of the 21st century, are believed to have originated in bats. Genetic diversity of coronaviruses related to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV has been found in bats worldwide. SARS-CoV uses ACE2 as a receptor and primarily infects ciliated bronchial epithelial cells and type II pneumocytes, while MERS-CoV uses DPP4 as a receptor and infects uniciliated bronchial epithelial cells and type II pneumocytes. Both viruses are thought to have originated in bats. Extensive studies of these viruses have led to a better understanding of coronavirus biology and have driven discovery in bats. The origin and evolution of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV are discussed, emphasizing their ecological distribution, genetic diversity, interspecies transmission, and potential for pathogenesis. Bat-borne coronaviruses show diversity and potential for spillover, as evidenced by the recent spillover of SADS-CoV to pigs. The receptor usage of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV is crucial for their host range. SARS-CoV uses ACE2, while MERS-CoV uses DPP4. The variability of SARS-CoV in humans and civets is discussed, with key mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) affecting transmission. Bat SARSr-CoVs show variability in the S, ORF8, and ORF3 regions. The receptor-binding motif (RBM) of SARS-CoV is crucial for host range, with mutations in residues 479 and 487 affecting transmission. MERS-CoV uses DPP4 as a receptor, and its receptor-binding domain (RBD) differs from SARS-CoV. The variability of MERS-CoV in humans and camels is discussed, with key mutations in the S, ORF4b, and ORF3 regions. Bat MERSr-CoVs show variability in the S and accessory genes. The receptor usage of MERS-CoV and MERSr-CoV is crucial for their host range, with MERS-CoV using DPP4. SADS-CoV, a novel coronavirus, was identified as the causative agent of swine acute diarrhoea syndrome. The origin and evolution of these coronaviruses highlight the importance of understanding their genetic diversity, receptor usage, and potential for spillover. Future research should focus on the biological properties of these viruses to prevent and control emerging SARS-like or MERS-like diseases. The prevention of viral zoonosis requires maintaining barriers between natural reservoirs and human society.