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A new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, discovered in China, has raised concerns about potential future pandemics. This virus targets the same human receptor as the COVID-19 virus.
Researchers, including Zheng-Li Shi, formerly of the Wuhan Institute of Virology, found HKU5-CoV-2 can infect human cells and lab-grown lung and intestinal tissues. The study suggests a risk of human-to-human or cross-species transmission.
Shi, known as “batwoman,” led the research team. The Wuhan Institute of Virology previously faced scrutiny as a possible source of COVID-19.
The study, published in the scientific journal Cell, highlights the potential zoonotic risk of this distinct lineage of bat coronaviruses. Researchers from the Guangzhou Academy of Sciences, Wuhan University, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology also contributed.
Medical expert Dr. Marc Siegel explains that bats carry various coronaviruses. He notes HKU5-CoV-2 is related to the MERS virus, which caused a limited outbreak in 2012.
This new strain can bind to the same respiratory receptors as the COVID-19 virus, raising the possibility of zoonotic spillover and human-to-human transmission. However, Dr.
Siegel emphasizes that the risk is currently low. The binding is weaker, and the virus is less potent than SARS-CoV-2.
While continued research and pandemic preparedness are crucial, Dr. Siegel cautions against fear.
He suggests an international consortium of scientists could offer better global protection. He views the publication of this study in a prominent journal as a positive step toward transparency.