New Delhi, 07 June 2025: A newly identified bat coronavirus in China, designated as HKU5-CoV-2, has garnered significant attention from the global scientific community due to its potential to infect human cells. While no human infections have been reported to date, researchers caution that the virus is only a minor mutation away from becoming a significant public health threat.
What Is HKU5-CoV-2?
HKU5-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus discovered in bats by scientists at China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology. This virus belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), known for its high fatality rate. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that HKU5-CoV-2 can bind to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor—the same pathway utilized by SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19—to enter human cells.
Potential for Human Transmission
Although HKU5-CoV-2 has not yet been detected in humans, its ability to bind to human ACE2 receptors raises concerns about its potential for zoonotic spillover. In laboratory settings, the virus has successfully infected human cell lines, as well as lung and intestinal tissues. Researchers emphasize that while the current risk to humans is low, the virus’s genetic makeup suggests that only a small mutation could enhance its ability to infect humans, potentially leading to a new pandemic.
Experts Speak On Upcoming Pandemic Risk
Dr. Shi Zhengli, a prominent virologist at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, led the research on HKU5-CoV-2. She and her team have highlighted the importance of monitoring such viruses closely, given their potential to adapt to human hosts. However, other experts urge caution against alarmism. Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, stated that the reaction to the study might be “overblown,” noting that the virus currently exhibits lower binding affinity to human receptors compared to SARS-CoV-2.
The discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 underscores the ongoing risk of zoonotic diseases—illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Factors such as deforestation, urbanization, and increased human-wildlife interactions contribute to the emergence of such pathogens. Public health officials emphasize the need for continued surveillance of animal viruses and the development of strategies to mitigate potential spillover events.
The identification of HKU5-CoV-2 serves as a reminder of the ever-present threat of emerging infectious diseases. While the virus has not yet infected humans, its characteristics warrant close monitoring and proactive measures to prevent a potential future pandemic. Continued vigilance, research, and global cooperation are essential in safeguarding public health against such threats.
