Islamabad, Feb 22: Chinese researchers have discovered a novel bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, that exhibits the potential to infect humans. This finding has reignited concerns regarding zoonotic diseases and their ability to cross species barriers.
The groundbreaking research, led by prominent virologist Shi Zhengli at the Guangzhou Laboratory, was recently published in the journal Cell. The study reveals that this newly identified virus shares notable similarities with SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in its ability to utilize the ACE2 receptor to enter human cells. However, scientists emphasize that its capacity for human infection remains limited at this stage.
HKU5-CoV-2 is an evolutionary descendant of the HKU5 virus, initially detected in the Japanese pipistrelle bat in Hong Kong. It belongs to the Merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes the virus responsible for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Notably, the study highlights the presence of a furin cleavage site within HKU5-CoV-2, a structural feature that facilitates viral entry into human cells—a characteristic also observed in SARS-CoV-2.
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Laboratory tests demonstrated that HKU5-CoV-2 can infect human cells with high ACE2 receptor expression, particularly in the intestinal and airway models. Moreover, scientists have identified monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs that show effectiveness against this virus, potentially paving the way for treatments should the virus pose a greater risk in the future.
Study Led by Renowned Virologist Shi Zhengli
Shi Zhengli, a leading expert from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, spearheaded this research. Known as “Batwoman” due to her extensive studies on bat coronaviruses, she previously faced international scrutiny during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite ongoing debates regarding the origins of SARS-CoV-2, Shi has consistently refuted theories suggesting a laboratory leak.
Should We Be Concerned About HKU5-CoV-2?
Chinese researchers have downplayed the potential threat of HKU5-CoV-2, emphasizing that its binding affinity to human ACE2 receptors is significantly lower than that of SARS-CoV-2. The study concluded that “the risk of human emergence should not be exaggerated.”
Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, also urged caution against alarmist reactions, citing increased global immunity to SARS-like viruses’ post-pandemic. Similarly, a separate study conducted by researchers at the University of Washington and Wuhan University found that while HKU5-CoV-2 can bind to bat and mammalian ACE2 receptors, its ability to efficiently bind to human receptors remains low.
The Covid-19 pandemic, which emerged in late 2019, led to a global health crisis, with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring it a pandemic in early 2020. As of February 2025, the virus has resulted in over seven million confirmed deaths worldwide, marking one of the deadliest pandemics in history. While HKU5-CoV-2 warrants further research, experts agree that it does not pose an immediate public health threat.
