Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

What Is HKU5-CoV-2? The New Coronavirus Discovered In Bats By Chinese Researchers

Chinese scientists at the Wuhan Institute of Virology have discovered a <span>new <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/coronavirus">coronavirus</a></span> strain, <span>HKU5-CoV-2</span>, that is similar to SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 virus. The research, released in the journal Cell, has created scientific interest and public interest. Even though HKU5-CoV-2 has not yet been isolated from humans, the fact that it can bind to human receptors calls for more investigation.

HKU5-CoV-2 is a member of the subgenus Merbecovirus, which comprises other coronaviruses such as the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) virus. The virus was first found in Pipistrellus bat species in Hong Kong. Recent laboratory tests show that HKU5-CoV-2 possesses the ability to bind to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, the same receptors used by SARS-CoV-2 for infecting human cells. This has implications regarding its possible animal-to-human transmission.

<h2>Is HKU5-CoV-2 Similar to SARS-CoV-2?</h2>

The HKU5-CoV-2 is notable because, like SARS-CoV-2, the viruses utilize the ACE2 receptor to enter the cells of human beings. Even so, the scientists point out that HKU5-CoV-2 efficiently attaches to receptors of human cells far less effectively compared to SARS-CoV-2 and is thus human-to-human transmission highly unlikely. In laboratory testing, HKU5-CoV-2 infection is demonstrated with human lung cells, but they are not found to have that easy transmissibility that infected SARS-CoV-2 into a world pandemic.

The finding has also sparked renewed controversies surrounding the activities of the Wuhan Institute of Virology, the very same research institute blamed for unleashing the COVID-19 virus. Headed by celebrated virologist Dr. Shi Zhengli, dubbed the "bat lady," the research group has been investigating bat coronaviruses for decades to identify potential zoonotic risks. The discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 has sparked new controversy, especially as stock values of some vaccine makers skyrocketed after the announcement.

To date, there is no direct evidence that HKU5-CoV-2 can infect humans. The study recognizes that the possibility of animal-to-human spillover is still unknown. Nevertheless, since coronaviruses have previously jumped species barriers—like SARS, MERS, and COVID-19—scientists are still wary. The World Health Organization (WHO) has pointed out that ongoing surveillance of bat-borne coronaviruses is needed to avoid future outbreaks.

<h2>Role of Merbecoviruses in Human Health</h2>

HKU5-CoV-2 belongs to the Merbecovirus subgenus, which contains:

<strong>MERS-CoV: </strong>The Middle East respiratory syndrome virus, with a 36% fatality rate in confirmed cases.

<strong>Tylonycteris bat <span rel="noindex">coronavirus</span> HKU4:</strong> Isolated from bats but not reported to infect humans.

<strong>Hedgehog coronavirus 1:</strong> Infects mainly hedgehogs and is not associated with human disease.

The identification of HKU5-CoV-2 contributes to the increasing body of evidence suggesting that Merbecoviruses may be potential threats to human health. Despite the fact that HKU5-CoV-2 has no association with human cases, the fact that it can bind with ACE2 receptors makes it deserving of further studies.

<h2>What Does This Mean for Public Health?</h2>

Although HKU5-CoV-2 is not found in humans, its emergence highlights the importance of monitoring zoonotic diseases proactively. Global health experts emphasize that:

<strong>Track bat populations: </strong>Since bats are natural reservoirs of numerous viruses, there must be ongoing monitoring.

<strong>Identifying receptor interactions:</strong> Studies of the binding of coronaviruses to human receptors can aid in evaluating spillover risks.

<strong>Investment in pandemic readiness:</strong> The COVID-19 pandemic served to remind us of the importance of early discovery and response measures to new viruses.

Researchers will continue to investigate HKU5-CoV-2 to find out its possible risks. The future research will involve:

<ul><li>The capacity of the virus to mutate and evolve to suit human hosts.</li><li>Possible animal intermediaries that might be used for transmission.</li><li>Vaccine and therapeutic advancements to counteract emerging coronaviruses.</li></ul>

The identification of HKU5-CoV-2 serves as a reminder that coronaviruses are still a public health issue worldwide. Although there is no immediate human threat, the discovery emphasizes the need for caution in monitoring and investigating zoonotic infections. Ongoing research and surveillance are essential in avoiding future pandemics and preparing the world for emerging viral threats.

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Chinese scientists at the Wuhan Institute of Virology have discovered a new coronavirus strain, HKU5-CoV-2, that is similar to SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 virus. The research, released in the journal Cell, has created scientific interest and public interest. Even though HKU5-CoV-2 has not yet been isolated from humans, the fact that it can bind to human receptors calls for more investigation.What is KHU5-CoV-2?HKU5-CoV-2 is a member of the subgenus Merbecovirus, which comprises other coronaviruses such as the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) virus. The virus was first found in Pipistrellus bat species in Hong Kong. Recent laboratory tests show that HKU5-CoV-2 possesses the ability to bind to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, the same receptors used by SARS-CoV-2 for infecting human cells. This has implications regarding its possible animal-to-human transmission.Is HKU5-CoV-2 Similar to SARS-CoV-2?The HKU5-CoV-2 is notable because, like SARS-CoV-2, the viruses utilize the ACE2 receptor to enter the cells of human beings. Even so, the scientists point out that HKU5-CoV-2 efficiently attaches to receptors of human cells far less effectively compared to SARS-CoV-2 and is thus human-to-human transmission highly unlikely. In laboratory testing, HKU5-CoV-2 infection is demonstrated with human lung cells, but they are not found to have that easy transmissibility that infected SARS-CoV-2 into a world pandemic.The finding has also sparked renewed controversies surrounding the activities of the Wuhan Institute of Virology, the very same research institute blamed for unleashing the COVID-19 virus. Headed by celebrated virologist Dr. Shi Zhengli, dubbed the "bat lady," the research group has been investigating bat coronaviruses for decades to identify potential zoonotic risks. The discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 has sparked new controversy, especially as stock values of some vaccine makers skyrocketed after the announcement.Can HKU5-CoV-2 Infect Humans?To date, there is no direct evidence that HKU5-CoV-2 can infect humans. The study recognizes that the possibility of animal-to-human spillover is still unknown. Nevertheless, since coronaviruses have previously jumped species barriers—like SARS, MERS, and COVID-19—scientists are still wary. The World Health Organization (WHO) has pointed out that ongoing surveillance of bat-borne coronaviruses is needed to avoid future outbreaks.Role of Merbecoviruses in Human HealthHKU5-CoV-2 belongs to the Merbecovirus subgenus, which contains:MERS-CoV: The Middle East respiratory syndrome virus, with a 36% fatality rate in confirmed cases.Tylonycteris bat coronavirus HKU4: Isolated from bats but not reported to infect humans.Hedgehog coronavirus 1: Infects mainly hedgehogs and is not associated with human disease.The identification of HKU5-CoV-2 contributes to the increasing body of evidence suggesting that Merbecoviruses may be potential threats to human health. Despite the fact that HKU5-CoV-2 has no association with human cases, the fact that it can bind with ACE2 receptors makes it deserving of further studies.What Does This Mean for Public Health?Although HKU5-CoV-2 is not found in humans, its emergence highlights the importance of monitoring zoonotic diseases proactively. Global health experts emphasize that:Track bat populations: Since bats are natural reservoirs of numerous viruses, there must be ongoing monitoring.Identifying receptor interactions: Studies of the binding of coronaviruses to human receptors can aid in evaluating spillover risks.Investment in pandemic readiness: The COVID-19 pandemic served to remind us of the importance of early discovery and response measures to new viruses.Researchers will continue to investigate HKU5-CoV-2 to find out its possible risks. The future research will involve:The capacity of the virus to mutate and evolve to suit human hosts.Possible animal intermediaries that might be used for transmission.Vaccine and therapeutic advancements to counteract emerging coronaviruses.The identification of HKU5-CoV-2 serves as a reminder that coronaviruses are still a public health issue worldwide. Although there is no immediate human threat, the discovery emphasizes the need for caution in monitoring and investigating zoonotic infections. Ongoing research and surveillance are essential in avoiding future pandemics and preparing the world for emerging viral threats.