What is HKU5-CoV-2? All you need to know

Researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology have identified a new bat virus called HKU5-COV-2 that uses the same entry mechanism as SARS-COV-2, which is COVID-19. Virus. However, the virus was not found in humans and was only detected in laboratory experiments. The study, ruled by virologist Shiite in Guangzhou labs, highlights concerns about potential zoonotic transmission.

Key Discovery

  • Virus name: HKU5-COV-2
  • Discovery location: China
  • Principal Researcher: Shi Zhengli, also known as “Bat Girl”
  • Similarities: Shared features with 19 and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-COV)
  • Risk of transmission: Humans have limited potential for infection, although it can infect cells with high ACE2 receptor expression.
  • Source of the research: Published in the Journal cell
  • Market Impact: News of the discovery affects the stock prices of vaccine manufacturers.

What is HKU5-COV-2?

HKU5-COV-2 is a newly discovered bat virus associated with the genus Merbecovirus, including the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus. It originated from the HKU5 strain originally identified in the Japanese Pipistrelle bat in Hong Kong. Despite its potential to infect humans, more research is needed to evaluate its transmission dynamics.

Features of HKU5-COV-2

HKU5-COV-2 was found in bats entering cells using ACE2 receptors. It is very similar to SARS-COV-2, but according to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, HKU5-COV-2 has a lower risk of human transmission. Here is its detailed function:

feature

describe

origin

Found in Chinese bats

Subgenus

Merbecovirus

Infection mechanism

Enter the cell using ACE2 receptor

Similar to SARS-COV-2

Contains lipoprotein cleavage site

Human transmission risk

Below SARS-COV-2

Antiviral response

Monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs show effectiveness

How does HKU5-COV-2 spread?

HKU5-COV-2 is part of the HKU5 coronavirus family and is known for its origins in bats. Despite its lipoprotein lysis site, it enhances the characteristics of the virus entering cells through the ACE2 receptor, and the researchers believe its ability to infect humans is lower than that of SARS-COV-2.

Key Transfer Insights

feature

HKU5-COV-2

SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19)

mers-cov

origin

bat

Bat/clothes?

Bat/camel

Receptor usage

ACE2

ACE2

DPP4

Human infection risk

Limited

High

Easing

Symptoms overlap

Yes

Yes

Yes

Will HKU5-COV-2 infect humans?

Scientists stress that not all coronaviruses infect humans. Although HKU5-COV-2 exhibits infection potential in test tubes and human airway/gut models, its real-world transmission remains uncertain. Infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm believes concerns about the virus may be exaggerated.

Research Leadership: The Role of Shi Zhengli

Source: FirstPost

Shi Zhengli, a famous virologist at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, led the research.

  • Guangzhou Academy of Sciences
  • Wuhan University
  • Wuhan Institute of Virology

She has been a key figure in BAT coronavirus research and denied claims that link the Covid-19 outbreak to a lab leak.

Is HKU5-COV-2 the main threat?

According to the researchers, HKU5-COV-2 is unlikely to cause a human outbreak compared to SARS-COV-2. Some key points:

  • The virus does not bind effectively to the human ACE2 receptor.
  • Suboptimal factors suggest that it does not adapt well to human transmission.
  • Experts like Michael Osterholm believe global immunity against SARS-like viruses may further reduce risks.

However, scientists stress the importance of continuous monitoring to prevent potential spillover events.

Related research and discoveries

Another study by researchers at the University of Washington and Wuhan University found that although HKU5 can bind to BAT and mammalian ACE2 receptors, no effective human binding was detected.

in conclusion

Although HKU5-COV-2 can infect human cells, current evidence suggests that it has a lower risk compared to SARS-COV-2. Ongoing research and monitoring are critical to understanding and mitigating potential future outbreaks.