Key Points:
- Discovery of HKU5-CoV-2: Chinese researchers have identified a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, which can bind to the same human ACE2 receptor as SARS-CoV-2, raising concerns about potential animal-to-human transmission.
- Lower Human Transmission Risk: While the virus can infect human cells in lab conditions, its ability to bind to human ACE2 receptors is significantly weaker than SARS-CoV-2, reducing the likelihood of widespread transmission.
- MERS Connection: The virus belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which includes the MERS virus, known for its severe respiratory symptoms.
- Ongoing Research: Scientists emphasize the need for further studies to understand the virus’s potential for cross-species transmission and its overall threat to humans.
- Global Vigilance Needed: The discovery highlights the importance of monitoring emerging viruses to prevent future pandemics.
New Delhi: In a significant scientific development, Chinese researchers have discovered a new bat coronavirus, named HKU5-CoV-2, that has the potential for animal-to-human transmission. The virus uses the same ACE2 receptor as SARS-CoV-2 the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic to infect human cells. While this discovery has sparked concerns about another possible pandemic, scientists caution that its current ability to spread among humans appears limited.
What is HKU5-CoV-2?
HKU5-CoV-2 is part of the merbecovirus subgenus, which includes the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus. It was first detected in Japanese pipistrelle bats in Hong Kong and is now being studied for its potential to infect humans and other mammals.
According to Shi Zhengli, a renowned virologist often referred to as “Batwoman” for her extensive research on bat coronaviruses, HKU5-CoV-2 can bind to ACE2 receptors in humans and various animals. This raises concerns about possible cross-species spillover events facilitated by intermediate hosts.
How Does It Compare to SARS-CoV-2?
While HKU5-CoV-2 shares similarities with SARS-CoV-2 in using ACE2 receptors for cell entry, its efficiency in binding to human ACE2 is significantly lower. Laboratory tests revealed that:
- The virus can infect human cells and tissues grown in lab conditions.
- It shows better adaptation to bat ACE2 receptors than human ones.
- Its ability to spread easily among humans is much weaker than SARS-CoV-2.
This reduced efficiency suggests that while HKU5-CoV-2 poses a risk of spillover events, it is unlikely to cause a pandemic under current circumstances.
What Are Scientists Saying?
The findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Cell and involved collaboration between researchers from Guangzhou Laboratory, Wuhan University, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The study emphasized that while HKU5-CoV-2 has zoonotic potential, its immediate threat should not be exaggerated.
Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, remarked that global immunity against SARS-like viruses has improved since 2019, potentially reducing the risk of another pandemic caused by similar pathogens.
Why Does This Matter?
The discovery underscores the ongoing threat posed by zoonotic diseases those that jump from animals to humans. Scientists warn that bat coronaviruses like HKU5-CoV-2 could evolve over time or use intermediate hosts (such as minks or pangolins) to adapt better to human transmission.
The study also highlights the importance of global surveillance systems for emerging pathogens. Early detection and monitoring are critical to preventing future outbreaks.
Lessons from COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how quickly a novel virus could spread globally when undetected spillover occurs. With nearly 7 million deaths worldwide since 2019, experts stress that vigilance is key:
- Strengthening research on zoonotic viruses.
- Enhancing global health infrastructure.
- Promoting transparency in sharing scientific data across nations.
While HKU5-CoV-2 currently poses a low risk of widespread human transmission, its discovery serves as a reminder of nature’s unpredictable threats. As scientists continue their investigations into this new virus, global health authorities must remain proactive in monitoring emerging pathogens and preparing for potential outbreaks.
The emergence of HKU5-CoV-2 reinforces an essential lesson: pandemics can be prevented with vigilance, collaboration, and timely action.
