A new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, has been discovered in China, raising concerns over its potential to infect humans. The virus was identified by a team of Chinese virologists led by Shi Zhengli, a renowned researcher at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), scientists have found that this virus has the capability to bind to human ACE2 receptors, a key mechanism that facilitates infection in humans. However, experts emphasize that further research is required to determine the actual risk of animal-to-human transmission.
What Is HKU5-CoV-2?
HKU5-CoV-2 belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus of coronaviruses, which also includes the virus responsible for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Researchers have observed that HKU5-CoV-2 exhibits similarities to SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as NL63, a common cold virus. This new strain was found in bats and has demonstrated the ability to infect human cell cultures in laboratory settings.
According to a study reported by Newsweek, the research team found that “bat merbecoviruses, which are phylogenetically related to MERS-CoV, pose a high risk of spillover to humans, either through direct transmission or via intermediate hosts.” The study further indicated that HKU5-CoV-2 can efficiently utilize human ACE2 receptors, suggesting a potential risk of zoonotic transmission.
Potential Human Infection Risk
The study’s findings revealed that HKU5-CoV-2 could infect human ACE2-expressing cell lines, as well as human respiratory and enteric organoids. However, the virus’s binding affinity to human ACE2 was significantly lower than that of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. The researchers emphasized the need for further studies to assess the virus’s ability to spread among humans.
Expert Opinions on HKU5-CoV-2’s Threat Level
Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, has downplayed concerns about the virus, stating that reactions to the study have been “overblown.” He noted that since the COVID-19 pandemic, human immune responses to coronaviruses may help mitigate the risk of another pandemic caused by HKU5-CoV-2.
Additionally, the study itself clarified that while HKU5-CoV-2 can bind to human ACE2, its binding affinity is considerably weaker than that of SARS-CoV-2. The researchers stated, “Risk of emergence in human populations should not be exaggerated.” This suggests that while HKU5-CoV-2 is capable of infecting human cells under laboratory conditions, it does not necessarily indicate an imminent threat to public health.
Understanding the Broader Context
The discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 highlights the ongoing need for monitoring bat coronaviruses, as they have historically been linked to emerging infectious diseases. However, experts caution against undue alarm, as not all coronaviruses found in animals are capable of causing widespread human infections.
In recent years, numerous coronaviruses have been detected in bats, yet only a few have demonstrated the ability to infect humans. While the potential for zoonotic spillover remains a concern, rigorous scientific research and surveillance efforts are crucial in determining the actual risks associated with newly discovered viruses.
The discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 serves as a reminder of the importance of continued research into bat coronaviruses. While this virus shares some similarities with MERS and SARS-CoV-2, current evidence suggests that its risk to human populations remains low. Experts urge caution but emphasize that further investigation is necessary to fully understand its potential impact.
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