Is a new Coronavirus pandemic comming? Chinese scientist finds a new virus that could infect humans
Chinese virologist Shi Zhengli and her team have discovered a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, which can infect humans through the ACE2 receptor, raising concerns about potential spillover and pandemic risks.
Recent research led by renowned Chinese virologist Shi Zhengli has uncovered a new bat coronavirus, dubbed HKU5-CoV-2, that has the potential to infect humans through the same pathway as COVID-19. Shi Zhengli, often referred to as the "batwoman" for her extensive work with bat coronaviruses, and her team from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, the Guangzhou Laboratory, and the Guangzhou Academy of Sciences, conducted the study.
The virus was discovered in bats of the genus Pipistrellus in China. The research reveals that HKU5-CoV-2 utilizes the ACE2 receptor, identical to SARS-CoV-2, to enter human cells. This virus can infect human cell cultures and 3D models of human organs, indicating a high zoonotic risk. Researchers utilized Cryo-EM, a sophisticated microscope technique, to scrutinize the virus's structure, and the study was published in the journal Cell.
Virus discovery and potential spillover risk
The research underscores the significance of monitoring bat coronaviruses due to their potential to spill over to humans, either directly or through intermediate hosts. Given the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 warrants heightened vigilance and proactive measures to prevent another possible outbreak.
The Crucial Role of Advanced Techniques in Virus Research
The use of advanced research techniques like Cryo-EM has been pivotal in understanding the virus's structure and infection mechanism. This research highlights the importance of continuous surveillance and study of bat coronaviruses to mitigate future zoonotic threats.
The findings published in the journal Cell provide crucial insights into the virus's potential impact and the necessary steps to address it. The ongoing study of HKU5-CoV-2 and other bat coronaviruses is essential for developing strategies to prevent potential spillover events and protect public health.
