Next Pandemic Soon? Bat Viruses In China Show Covid-Like Threat, Scientists Warn

News18

06-06-2025

Last Updated:
Like SARS-CoV-2- the virus behind Covid-19- these bat viruses use spike proteins to invade host cells by attaching to the ACE2 receptor.
A newly published study in Nature Communications raised alarm as it showed that a little-known group of bat viruses could be just a single mutation away from infecting humans. The research, conducted by teams from Washington State University, Caltech and the University of North Carolina, zeroes in on HKU5 viruses—a subgroup within the merbecoviruses, which are relatives of MERS-CoV, the deadly coronavirus that emerged in 2012 and carries a fatality rate of around 34%.
'HKU5 viruses haven't been studied much, but our research shows they have the machinery to infect cells. In fact, they might be only a single step away from being able to infect humans," Dr. Michael Letko, the study's lead author and a virologist at Washington State University, said.
The Spike Protein Problem
Like SARS-CoV-2- the virus behind Covid-19- these bat viruses use spike proteins to invade host cells by attaching to the ACE2 receptor. Currently, HKU5 viruses bind to ACE2 only in bats. But scientists warn that a tiny genetic change could allow them to jump to humans. Supporting this concern, some HKU5 variants have already been seen infecting minks in China- proof that they can jump between species.
Adding to the urgency, researchers used AlphaFold 3, a cutting-edge AI tool, to model how these spike proteins could evolve. The software simulated potential mutations and interactions with human cells in minutes, accurately matching traditional lab results.
Scientists' Warning For The Future
The new findings align with earlier research led by China's renowned virologist Shi Zhengli- often dubbed the 'batwoman." Her team had found that HKU5-CoV-2, a variant in this group, was capable of infecting human cells in test tubes and lab models of the human respiratory and digestive systems.
The researchers also identified potential monoclonal antibodies and antivirals that could target the virus if it crosses over.
Dr. Letko stressed, 'There's no need to panic, but there is every reason to prepare."
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Mallika Soni
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First Published:
June 06, 2025, 19:01 IST