Sandeep Dhand
Nutritionist And Health Educator
A team of Chinese researchers has discovered a new bat coronavirus with the potential for animal-to-human transmission, raising concerns about possible future spillover events. The virus, named HKU5-CoV-2, has been found to use the same human receptor as SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Although scientists caution against exaggerating the threat, the discovery highlights the need for continuous monitoring and pandemic preparedness.
Discovery of HKU5-CoV-2
The research was led by Shi Zhengli, a renowned virologist from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, often referred to as “batwoman” due to her extensive work on bat coronaviruses. The study involved scientists from multiple institutions, including the Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Academy of Sciences, Wuhan University, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Their findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Cell on Tuesday.
HKU5-CoV-2 belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) virus. The newly identified virus is a new lineage of the HKU5 coronavirus, originally discovered in Japanese pipistrelle bats in Hong Kong.
How Does HKU5-CoV-2 Infect Humans?
The research revealed that HKU5-CoV-2 can bind to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptor, the same receptor that SARS-CoV-2 uses to enter human cells.
“We report the discovery and isolation of a distinct lineage (lineage 2) of HKU5-CoV, which can utilize not only bat ACE2 but also human ACE2 and various mammalian ACE2 orthologs,” the scientists stated in their study.
This ability to bind to ACE2 receptors in multiple species increases the likelihood of interspecies transmission, making it a virus of interest for future research and monitoring.
Potential Risk of Spillover
Laboratory tests showed that HKU5-CoV-2 can infect human cells as well as artificially-grown lung and intestinal tissues. Moreover, it has been found to bind to ACE2 receptors in various mammals, including bats and other animals, making cross-species transmission a possibility.
Despite these findings, researchers emphasized that the virus’s efficiency in binding to human ACE2 is significantly lower than that of SARS-CoV-2. “The risk of [HKU5-CoV-2] emergence in human populations should not be exaggerated,” they wrote in their report.
The Link to Previous Pandemics
The discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 comes at a time when fears of new viral outbreaks remain high, especially after the devastating global impact of COVID-19. The origins of COVID-19 are still debated, with some studies suggesting that it originated in bats and jumped to humans through an intermediate host. Shi Zhengli has denied allegations that the Wuhan Institute of Virology was responsible for the pandemic, reinforcing the natural spillover theory.
Recent reports also highlighted a surge in cases of the flu-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China. While images of overcrowded hospitals circulated on social media, health experts clarified that HMPV is not a new virus and has been around for many years. They attribute the recent spike to a seasonal increase rather than the emergence of a new pandemic threat.
How Does HKU5-CoV-2 Compare to SARS-CoV-2 and MERS?
While HKU5-CoV-2 is part of the same viral family as MERS, scientists have not yet observed the same high fatality rate. MERS, which emerged in 2012, had a fatality rate of around 35%, significantly higher than COVID-19.
On the other hand, SARS-CoV-2 spread rapidly due to its ability to bind efficiently to human ACE2 receptors. The good news, according to researchers, is that HKU5-CoV-2 has a much weaker binding ability, making it less likely to cause a pandemic of the same scale.
The Importance of Monitoring Emerging Viruses
The World Health Organization (WHO) has already included merbecoviruses on its list of emerging pathogens that require close monitoring for pandemic preparedness. Scientists warn that bat coronaviruses have a high potential for spillover events, either through direct transmission or via intermediate hosts, making continuous surveillance essential.
Shi Zhengli and her team stress the importance of ongoing research into emerging viruses, particularly those found in bats, as these animals are known reservoirs for a wide range of coronaviruses.
Lessons from COVID-19 and Future Preparedness
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the devastating impact a novel virus can have on global health, economies, and daily life. This has led to a renewed focus on early detection and response strategies for potential future pandemics.
Governments and health organizations worldwide have been investing in better surveillance systems, vaccine development platforms, and public health measures to mitigate risks associated with emerging viruses. The study on HKU5-CoV-2 serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of viral evolution and the need for continuous vigilance.
Conclusion
While the discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 is significant, experts urge the public not to panic. The virus does have the ability to infect human cells, but its binding efficiency is much lower than that of SARS-CoV-2, reducing the immediate risk of a large-scale outbreak. Nevertheless, ongoing research and monitoring remain crucial to understanding and preventing future spillover events.
With the lessons learned from COVID-19, scientists and health authorities are better prepared than ever to detect and respond to potential new threats. The discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 underscores the importance of global collaboration in virology research and pandemic preparedness, ensuring that the world is ready to face any emerging health challenges in the future.