Chinese Team Discovers New Bat virus

Chinese Team Discovers New Bat Coronavirus with Potential to Infect Humans via Same Route as COVID-19

A Chinese research team, led by renowned virologist Shi Zhengli, has identified a new bat coronavirus capable of infecting humans through the same receptor used by the COVID-19 virus. The discovery highlights the ongoing risk of animal-to-human transmission of coronaviruses.

The study, conducted by researchers from the Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Academy of Sciences, Wuhan University, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology, focuses on a new lineage of the HKU5 coronavirus, named HKU5-CoV-2. This virus belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes the virus responsible for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

Key Findings:

• Human ACE2 Receptor Binding: HKU5-CoV-2 can bind to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, the same entry point used by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
• Broad Host Range: The virus can also bind to ACE2 receptors in multiple mammalian species, increasing the risk of spillover through intermediate hosts.
• Potential for Interspecies Transmission: The researchers noted that HKU5-CoV-2 is better adapted to human ACE2 compared to its predecessor, lineage 1 of HKU5-CoV, suggesting a higher potential for cross-species infection.

Research Details:
The team isolated the virus from bat samples and demonstrated its ability to infect human cells and lab-grown organoids mimicking respiratory and intestinal tissues. Their findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Cell on [publication date].

Risk Assessment:
While the virus poses a potential threat, the researchers emphasized that its efficiency in infecting humans is “significantly lower” than SARS-CoV-2. They cautioned against overstating the immediate risk but called for increased monitoring of bat coronaviruses to prevent future outbreaks.

Background on Shi Zhengli:
Shi Zhengli, often referred to as “batwoman” for her extensive work on bat coronaviruses, has been a central figure in coronavirus research. Her team at the Wuhan Institute of Virology has faced scrutiny over theories linking the COVID-19 pandemic to a lab leak, which she has consistently denied.

Global Implications:
The discovery underscores the importance of pandemic preparedness, particularly as merbecoviruses, including MERS and related bat viruses, were recently added to the World Health Organization’s list of emerging pathogens with pandemic potential.

Conclusion:
The study highlights the need for continued surveillance of bat coronaviruses and their potential to jump to humans, either directly or through intermediate hosts. While HKU5-CoV-2 currently poses a lower risk compared to SARS-CoV-2, its ability to bind to human ACE2 receptors warrants close attention to prevent future zoonotic outbreaks.