According to Chinese researchers, a recently identified bat coronavirus may one day infect humans as it enters human cells using the same cell-surface protein as the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.
HKU5-CoV-2 can enter cells through the human ACE2 receptor protein on cell surfaces, just like COVID. The coronavirus that was just discovered belongs to the same family as the virus that causes MERS, or Middle East respiratory disease.
Lab test results
The virus can infect human cells as well as artificially generated lung and intestinal organs, according to lab testing.
Additionally, it can attach to bats, humans, and other animals' ACE2 receptors, which raises the possibility of cross-species transmission.
In further studies, the scientists discovered antiviral medications and monoclonal antibodies that specifically target the bat virus.
Less potent
However, the researchers stressed that there is little chance of widespread human transmission and that it is significantly less powerful than SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
In December 2019, Wuhan in central China announced the first instances of the Covid-19 virus. After then, it spread over the world, resulting in national lockdowns and killing almost seven million people.
