Researchers Discover Bat Virus With COVID-19-like Qualities Equivalent to HKU5-CoV-2
The researchers have stumbled upon a virus, named HKU5-CoV-2, that shares some similarities with the one causing COVID-19. Discovered in bats, this coronavirus can infiltrate human cells in a manner reminiscent of its more infamous counterpart. However, experts encourage caution as this new virus doesn't easily infect human cells, unlike SARS-CoV-2.
The scientists from the Wuhan Institute of Virology recently published their findings in the journal Cell. They noticed the virus's spike protein can bind with human cell membranes via a specific enzyme found on their surface. This protein contains a feature known as a "furin cleavage site," helping it attach to the enzyme.
The potential threat to humans isn't as alarming as it may sound due to HKU5-CoV-2's lower binding ability to human cells. The researchers themselves caution against exaggerating its potential to affect human populations. In fact, infectious disease expert Dr. Michael Osterholm from the University of Minnesota told Reuters that the reaction to this research might be "overblown."
Nonetheless, shares in COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers, such as Pfizer and Moderna, saw a boost following the news. Monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs are believed to be potential treatments if humans were to contract this bat virus, reducing its impact and shortening the illness duration.
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HKU5-CoV-2 is a member of the merbecovirus subgenus, entailing similarities with the virus responsible for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). While it can infect human cells in laboratory settings, its transmission risk among humans remains unproven and is seen as less efficient than SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, HKU5-CoV-2 has a lower binding affinity to human ACE2, making it less virulent and reducing its potential to cause widespread infection.
Animal-derived coronaviruses, like HKU5-CoV-2, have raised concerns regarding their potential to spill over to human populations and trigger future pandemics. However, existing immunity to similar viruses in the population could further mitigate risks. Monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs such as remdesivir and nirmatrelvir have demonstrated effectiveness against HKU5-CoV-2 in laboratory tests. Since viruses may evolve over time, ongoing monitoring and research are crucial to prepare for potential future outbreaks.
The virus, named HKU5-CoV-2, shares similarities with the one causing COVID-19 and was discovered in bats. This coronavirus can infiltrate human cells in a manner similar to SARS-CoV-2, but experts stress that it doesn't easily infect human cells. The researchers discovered that the virus's spike protein can bind with human cell membranes via a specific enzyme.
HKU5-CoV-2 is a member of the merbecovirus subgenus, which entails similarities with the virus responsible for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). While it can infect human cells in laboratory settings, its transmission risk among humans is unproven and seen as less efficient than SARS-CoV-2 due to its lower binding affinity to human ACE2.
Animal-derived coronaviruses like HKU5-CoV-2 have raised concerns about their potential to spill over to human populations and trigger future pandemics. However, existing immunity to similar viruses in the population could further mitigate risks. Monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs such as remdesivir and nirmatrelvir have demonstrated effectiveness against HKU5-CoV-2 in laboratory tests.
Viruses, including HKU5-CoV-2, can evolve over time, and ongoing monitoring and research are crucial to prepare for potential future outbreaks. Coronaviruses, like SARS-CoV-2 and the bat virus, are part of the coronavirus family, and they can originate from mammals, highlighting the need for continuous surveillance and understanding of the pathway of virus transmission.
The viral genome of HKU5-CoV-2 contains a feature known as a "furin cleavage site," which helps it attach to the enzyme on human cell membranes. The new findings on HKU5-CoV-2 could be further investigated to better understand the evolution and transmission of coronaviruses. While the researchers caution against exaggerating the potential of HKU5-CoV-2 to affect human populations, its similarity to SARS-CoV-2 emphasizes the need for continued vigilance in detecting and preventing potential future pandemics.
