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A team of Chinese researchers has discovered a bat virus, HKU5-CoV-2, that enters human cells through the same pathway as SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. According to the scientists, HKU5-CoV-2 contains a key feature known as the furin cleavage site, which facilitates its entry into cells via the ACE2 receptor protein. The findings highlight the potential risks of emerging zoonotic viruses and the importance of continued surveillance.
Chinese scientists have discovered a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, that uses the same ACE2 receptor as SARS-CoV-2 to enter human cells, raising concerns about potential spillover to humans. However, researchers report that the virus does not infect human cells as efficiently as SARS-CoV-2.
Published in the journal Cell, the study found that HKU5-CoV-2 contains a furin cleavage site—an important feature that facilitates viral entry. In lab experiments, the virus was able to infect human cells with high ACE2 levels in test tubes, as well as models of human intestines and airways.
Further research identified monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs that may effectively target the virus.
Bloomberg, which reported on the study earlier, noted that news of the discovery moved shares of COVID-19 vaccine makers, with Pfizer rising 1.5%, Moderna climbing 5.3%, and Novavax gaining about 1%, despite broader market declines.
However, experts urge caution in interpreting the findings. Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Minnesota, called concerns over another pandemic “overblown,” noting that global immunity to SARS-related viruses is significantly stronger than in 2019.
The study itself emphasized that HKU5-CoV-2 has a much lower binding affinity for human ACE2 than SARS-CoV-2, and other factors make human adaptation unlikely. Researchers concluded that while surveillance of emerging viruses remains critical, the risk of this particular virus triggering a new outbreak should not be exaggerated.
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Source: NDTV
