On February 21, a report by Chinese researchers revealed a newly discovered bat coronavirus that uses the same cell-surface protein to enter human cells as the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. This finding raises concerns about the potential for this virus to spread to humans in the future.
The scientists identified that, like SARS-CoV-2, the bat virus, named HKU5-CoV-2, possesses a feature known as the furin cleavage site. This feature facilitates entry into cells via the ACE2 receptor protein on cell surfaces. The presence of this site is a critical factor in the virus's ability to infect human cells.
Laboratory experiments demonstrated that HKU5-CoV-2 successfully infected human cells with high levels of ACE2 receptors. These experiments were conducted in test tubes and models of human intestines and airways. The researchers also identified monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs that target this bat virus, offering potential avenues for treatment.
Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, commented on the study, stating that the reaction to the potential pandemic risk is overblown. He emphasized that there is a significant level of immunity in the population against similar SARS viruses compared to 2019, which could reduce the risk of a pandemic.
The study highlighted that the virus has a significantly lower binding affinity to human ACE2 than SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, other suboptimal factors for human adaptation suggest that the risk of the virus emerging in human populations should not be exaggerated.
While the discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 raises important questions about zoonotic viruses, current evidence suggests that its risk of causing a new pandemic is limited. Ongoing research and surveillance are crucial in monitoring the potential threat posed by such viruses.
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