Chinese researchers, led by virologist Shi Zhengli, have discovered a new bat coronavirus that poses potential risks of animal-to-human transmission, sparking concerns of future spillover events
The virus, identified as HKU5-CoV-2, belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which includes the Mers virus. This newly isolated strain can bind to the ACE2 receptor in human cells, the same pathway used by the Covid-19 virus, according to the study cited by news agency Reuters.
Published in the journal Cell, the study highlights that HKU5-CoV-2 was found to infect human cells in laboratory settings, raising concerns about its potential to jump species. Notably, it can also bind to ACE2 receptors in a variety of mammals, suggesting multiple intermediate hosts could facilitate its transmission to humans. (Indian Express)
https://indianexpress.com/article/world/china-research-bat-coronavirus-covid-19-9849802/
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