Zafar Iqbal
Chinese researchers have identified a new bat-derived coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, which has the potential to infect humans by utilizing the same receptor as SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. This discovery underscores the ongoing need for vigilant monitoring of zoonotic diseases that could pose future pandemic threats.
Discovery of HKU5-CoV-2
The research, published in the scientific journal Cell, was led by virologist Shi Zhengli, often referred to as “batwoman” due to her extensive work on bat coronaviruses. The study was a collaborative effort involving the Guangzhou Laboratory, the Guangzhou Academy of Sciences, Wuhan University, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The team identified HKU5-CoV-2 in bat populations in China and conducted experiments to assess its potential for cross-species transmission.
Mechanism of Human Cell Infection
HKU5-CoV-2 belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus. Notably, HKU5-CoV-2 possesses a furin cleavage site, a feature that facilitates the virus’s entry into human cells by binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor—the same pathway utilized by SARS-CoV-2. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that HKU5-CoV-2 can infect human cells with high ACE2 expression, as well as human intestinal and airway tissues cultured in vitro. citeturn0search5
Potential Risks and Expert Opinions
While HKU5-CoV-2 can bind to the human ACE2 receptor, its affinity is significantly lower than that of SARS-CoV-2, suggesting a reduced capability for human infection. The study emphasizes that, despite this potential, the risk of HKU5-CoV-2 emerging in human populations should not be overstated. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, noted that existing immunity to similar SARS-like viruses in the population may further diminish the likelihood of HKU5-CoV-2 causing a pandemic. citeturn0news19
Implications for Public Health
The identification of HKU5-CoV-2 highlights the importance of continuous surveillance of coronaviruses in wildlife, particularly bats, which are known reservoirs for diverse coronavirus strains. Understanding the mechanisms that enable cross-species transmission is crucial for developing preventive strategies against potential outbreaks. The research also underscores the need for global collaboration in monitoring and studying emerging infectious diseases to mitigate future pandemic risks.
Specifications Table
| Feature | Details |
| Virus Name | HKU5-CoV-2 |
| Discovery Location | China |
| Primary Reservoir | Bats |
| Receptor Utilized | ACE2 (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2) |
| Related Viruses | SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), MERS-CoV |
| Infection Potential | Capable of infecting human cells with high ACE2 expression; lower binding affinity compared to SARS-CoV-2 |
| Research Institutions | Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Academy of Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan Institute of Virology |
| Lead Researcher | Shi Zhengli |
| Publication | Cell Journal |
| Key Findings | Presence of furin cleavage site; potential for cross-species transmission; existing immunity in population may reduce pandemic risk |
Conclusion
The discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 serves as a reminder of the complex interactions between wildlife and human health. While the immediate threat to human populations appears limited, proactive research and surveillance are essential to identify and address potential zoonotic pathogens before they can pose significant public health challenges.
