A new bat coronavirus discovered in China has raised concerns about its potential to infect humans, sparking fears of another pandemic.
At a Glance
- HKU5-CoV-2, a new bat coronavirus, has been discovered in China
- The virus targets the same human receptor (ACE2) as SARS-CoV-2
- Research led by Zheng-Li Shi, known for her work at the Wuhan Institute of Virology
- HKU5-CoV-2 can infect human cells and artificially grown tissues
- Experts caution against overreacting, citing low pandemic risk
New Bat Coronavirus Discovered
Chinese scientists have identified a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, that has the potential to infect humans. The discovery has drawn attention from the global scientific community due to its similarities with SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, led by virologist Zheng-Li Shi from the Guangzhou Laboratory, has been published in the prestigious journal Cell.
HKU5-CoV-2 belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which is related to the virus that causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The study reveals that this new virus targets the ACE2 receptor in humans, the same entry point used by SARS-CoV-2. This characteristic suggests a potential for human-to-human or cross-species transmission.
Biosecurity and Beyond: HKU5-CoV-2's Strategic Impact on China's National Security
The recent identification of HKU5-CoV-2, a novel bat coronavirus capable of binding to the human ACE2 receptor, has significant implications for China's national security policies. This discovery… pic.twitter.com/0ixrbglBo2
— Niels Groeneveld (@nigroeneveld) February 21, 2025
Laboratory tests have shown that HKU5-CoV-2 can infect human cell cultures and artificially grown lung and intestine tissues. This ability to interact with human cells has raised concerns about its potential to cause disease in humans. However, experts caution against overreacting to this discovery…at least for now.
“Bat merbecoviruses, which are phylogenetically related to MERS-CoV, pose a high risk of spillover to humans, either through direct transmission or facilitated by intermediate hosts,” the study noted.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a medical expert, provided context to the discovery, stating, “In this case, Shi-Zhengli discovered that a pipistrellus species of bats is carrying a HKU5-COV2 coronavirus that is a cousin of the MERS virus, which caused a limited outbreak in humans in 2012.”
Risk Assessment and Expert Opinions
While the discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 is significant, experts suggest that the risk of it causing a pandemic is relatively low. The virus shows weaker binding and less potency compared to SARS-CoV-2. Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert, suggests that the risk of another pandemic from this virus is likely overblown due to existing immunity to similar viruses in human populations.
“Even as we continue to investigate potential human pathogens, and even as we prepare for possible pandemics, it is very important that we not give in to fear,” Dr. Siegel added.
The study’s publication in a prominent journal is seen as a positive step towards transparency and preparedness in the scientific community. It underscores the importance of ongoing global monitoring and cooperation to prevent zoonotic diseases from crossing into human populations.
The discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in monitoring potential zoonotic threats. We saw what happened in 2020 – and it could very honestly happen all over again.
