Daijiworld Media Network - Beijing

Beijing, Feb 24: Chinese researchers have identified a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, which has similarities to the virus responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a study published in Cell.

Led by renowned virologist Shi Zhengli, often called ‘batwoman’ for her extensive research on coronaviruses, the study was conducted by the Guangzhou Laboratory, Wuhan University, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

While the newly discovered virus can bind to human ACE2 receptors, just like SARS-CoV-2, researchers clarified that it has not been found in humans so far. HKU5-CoV-2 belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes the MERS virus.

Lab tests confirmed that HKU5-CoV-2 can infect human cells, but researchers stressed that its risk of human transmission remains low. They noted that the virus has less binding affinity to human ACE2 compared to SARS-CoV-2, suggesting that its potential threat should not be exaggerated.

A separate study by the University of Washington and Wuhan University also indicated that HKU5 strains do not show efficient human binding. However, scientists continue to monitor its spillover potential to prevent future outbreaks.