Chinese scientists have discovered a new bat coronavirus that could infect humans, raising concerns about future pandemics. Shi Zhengli and her team discovered HKU5-CoV-2, which underscores the critical importance of wildlife surveillance for global health.
Unveiling HKU5-CoV-2
Chinese scientists have discovered a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, adding to the portfolio of viruses under scrutiny for their zoonotic potential. Led by renowned virologist Shi Zhengli, commonly referred to as ‘Batwoman’ due to her focus on bat-borne diseases, the team identified the virus in bat populations in China. The study underscores the need for continued wildlife surveillance to predict better and prevent future pandemics. This virus lineage was initially identified in Hong Kong’s Japanese pipistrelle bat.
New bat Coronavirus could spread like Covid-19, warns Chinese team
Led by the notorious "Batwoman" Shi Zhengli, a Chinese team discovered the new Coronavirus with the potential for animal-to-human transmission, using the same receptor as Covid-19, CGTN reports. pic.twitter.com/LPieiW3Td9
— RT (@RT_com) February 21, 2025
HKU5-CoV-2 is a lineage of the HKU5 coronavirus. It is part of the merbecovirus subgenus, which includes the virus responsible for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). MERS causes a severe respiratory illness similar to COVID-19. Laboratory tests demonstrate that HKU5-CoV-2 can infect human cells, interacting with the same ACE2 receptors leveraged by SARS-CoV-2.
Risk Analysis and Implications
Despite the virus’s ability to bind to human ACE2 receptors, HKU5-CoV-2 poses a notably lower transmission risk among humans than SARS-CoV-2, as researchers emphasize the low efficiency in binding. The discovery was a collaborative effort of scientists from various Chinese institutions, including the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Cell, contributing critical insights into the possible cross-species transmission pathways and potential risks of zoonotic spillovers.
Shadows of Contagion: The Emergence of HKU5-CoV-2 and the Echoes of a Pandemic Past
In a world still reeling from the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, news of a new coronavirus emerging from China casts an ominous shadow. It feels eerily familiar, like an echo reverberating… pic.twitter.com/NoB5rvzetC
— Niels Groeneveld (@nigroeneveld) February 21, 2025
“The risk of [HKU5-CoV-2] emergence in human populations should not be exaggerated” – the researchers.
While the risk is low, scientists caution against dismissal of its potential, advocating for enhanced wildlife surveillance and study. Highlighting the virus’s capacity to infect various mammals, Shi Zhengli’s team stresses that understanding zoonotic viruses is integral to global health readiness.
The Significance of Wildlife Surveillance
Wildlife, particularly bats, serve as reservoirs for many coronaviruses with potential human impact. This research points to the frequent cross-species transmission of such viruses between bats and other animals, possibly paving the way for future human infections. The discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 is a reminder of the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of vigilant surveillance in these populations.
“We report the discovery and isolation of a distinct lineage (lineage 2) of HKU5-CoV that can utilize not only bat ACE2 but also human ACE2 and various mammalian ACE2 orthologs”—the scientists.
The discovery has far-reaching implications, encouraging scientific communities worldwide to implement and advocate for enhanced wildlife monitoring and data sharing. With such proactive measures, the world can hope to stay ahead of potential pandemics.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0092867425001448