Scientists have discovered a new bat-borne coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, capable of infecting human cells using the same receptor that helped spread Covid-19. While no human infections have been reported, this finding boosts vaccine makers’ shares and highlights concerns about animal diseases causing deadly outbreaks.
Researchers collected the strain from hundreds of bats in southern China and found it belongs to a distinct lineage of coronaviruses linked to Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). The virus can enter human cells by binding to the ACE2 receptor, similar to SARS-CoV-2. Lab experiments suggest it may also infect various mammals, increasing its potential for cross-species transmission.
The discovery was led by virologist Shi Zheng-Li, who has faced allegations about her facility’s role in Covid-19’s emergence. This new strain adds to the growing list of pandemics shaped by deforestation, urbanization, and climate change, emphasizing the need for continued medical advances and global vigilance.
Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-24/hku5-cov-2-what-is-new-bat-virus-similar-to-covid-19-could-pandemic-happen