A newly discovered coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, found in Chinese bats, has raised concerns due to its potential to infect humans using the same receptor as COVID-19. The virus is part of the merbecovirus group, which includes MERS, and was identified by a team led by Shi Zhengli. While the virus can bind to human cells, its potential to cause disease in humans remains uncertain. Experts urge caution but note that existing immunity to similar viruses may mitigate pandemic risks.
A new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, has been identified in China, raising concerns over its potential to infect humans. This virus, discovered by a team led by virologist Shi Zhengli, shares similarities with SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, as it binds to the same human receptor, ACE2. The discovery has sparked discussions about the potential for another pandemic, although experts caution against overestimating the threat.
HKU5-CoV-2, a new bat coronavirus, has been discovered by a research team led by Shi Zhengli, a prominent virologist known as "Batwoman" for her extensive work on coronaviruses. This virus belongs to the merbecovirus group, which also includes the MERS virus. The study, published in the scientific journal Cell, reveals that HKU5-CoV-2 can bind to the human ACE2 receptor, similar to SARS-CoV-2, raising concerns about potential animal-to-human transmission. However, it remains unclear if this virus will cause disease in humans, as further investigation is needed to assess its zoonotic risk [1] [2].
The discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 highlights the ongoing risk of zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. This virus's ability to infect humans through the ACE2 receptor is particularly concerning, given its similarity to the transmission route of COVID-19. However, experts like Dr. Michael Osterholm caution against overreacting to the discovery, noting that the population now has some immunity to similar viruses, which may reduce the risk of a pandemic. The study itself indicates that HKU5-CoV-2 has a lower binding affinity to human ACE2 than SARS-CoV-2, suggesting that the risk of it emerging in human populations should not be exaggerated [3] [4].
The announcement of the discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 has led to market reactions, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. Shares of vaccine makers like Moderna, BioNTech, and Pfizer saw significant increases as traders anticipated potential future demand for vaccines. Meanwhile, researchers continue to study the virus to understand its potential impact on human health and prevent another global outbreak. The origins of the COVID-19 pandemic remain a topic of intense research and debate, with the Wuhan Institute of Virology often at the center of these discussions [5] [6].
The discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 in Chinese bats underscores the ongoing threat of zoonotic diseases and the importance of monitoring emerging viruses. While the potential for this virus to cause disease in humans remains uncertain, experts advise caution and continued research. The scientific community is focused on understanding the virus's characteristics and preventing future outbreaks, while the public and markets remain vigilant in the face of potential health threats.
"Authentic HKU5-CoV-2 infected human ACE2-expressing cell lines and human respiratory and enteric organoids. This study reveals a distinct lineage of HKU5-CoVs in bats that efficiently use human ACE2 and underscores their potential zoonotic risk." - Shi Zhengli
"The risk of emergence in human populations should not be exaggerated." - Dr. Michael Osterholm