GUWAHATI: Chinese researchers recently identified a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, which has the potential to infect humans. According to a study published in the Cell scientific journal, the virus has been found to use the same cell-surface protein as SARS-CoV-2, the one responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic.
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HKU5-CoV-2, discovered in bats in China, belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes the virus responsible for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). It traces its lineage to HKU5, first detected in the Japanese pipistrelle bat in Hong Kong.
Laboratory experiments found that HKU5-CoV-2 can infect human cells with high levels of ACE2 receptors, particularly in models of the human intestines and airways. The virus contains a furin cleavage site, similar to SARS-CoV-2, which aids in cell entry. Researchers also identified monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs that may be effective against it.
While HKU5-CoV-2 has some ability to infect humans, researchers have noted that it does not enter human cells as readily as SARS-CoV-2. The study concluded that the risk of a human outbreak should not be exaggerated, as the virus has significantly weaker binding to human ACE2 receptors compared to Covid-19.
The study was led by Chinese virologist Shi Zhengli, who is known as "batwoman" for her extensive research on bat coronaviruses. Scientists from the Guangzhou Laboratory, Wuhan University, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology also collaborated on the research.
