Another COVID-Like Pandemic Coming? Researchers in China Detect New Bat Coronavirus That May Infect Humans

New Delhi: A team of Chinese researchers has identified a new bat coronavirus that has the potential to spread from animals to humans, as it utilizes the same receptor as the virus responsible for Covid-19.

The study was led by Shi Zhengli, a renowned virologist known as “batwoman” due to her extensive work on bat coronaviruses, in collaboration with researchers from the Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Academy of Sciences, Wuhan University, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

Shi, best known for her research at the Wuhan Institute, has been at the center of debates surrounding the origins of Covid-19. While the exact origin of the virus remains uncertain, some studies suggest it originated in bats before potentially spreading to humans through an intermediate host. Shi has previously denied allegations that the Wuhan lab was responsible for the outbreak.

The newly discovered virus belongs to a different lineage of the HKU5 coronavirus, which was first identified in the Japanese pipistrelle bat in Hong Kong. It falls under the merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) virus.

According to the study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Cell, the virus can bind to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor—the same receptor used by SARS-CoV-2 to infect human cells.

“We report the discovery and isolation of a distinct lineage (lineage 2) of HKU5-CoV, which can utilize not only bat ACE2 but also human ACE2 and various mammalian ACE2 orthologs,” the researchers stated in their findings.

Experiments showed that the virus, when isolated from bat samples, was capable of infecting human cells, as well as lab-grown organoid models that mimic miniature versions of human respiratory and intestinal tissues.

Bat Merbecoviruses pose a high risk of spillover to humans

The study warned that bat merbecoviruses pose a high risk of spillover to humans, either through direct transmission or via intermediate animal hosts. Notably, HKU5-CoV-2 is not limited to binding with human ACE2 but can also attach to receptors in multiple other species, increasing the risk of transmission through secondary hosts.

The merbecovirus subgenus includes four species, including the MERS coronavirus, two bat coronaviruses, and one found in hedgehogs. Given its potential threat, the World Health Organization (WHO) added merbecovirus to its list of emerging pathogens for pandemic preparedness last year.

Earlier this month, another study published in Cell by researchers from the University of Washington in Seattle and Wuhan University found that while the HKU5 strain could bind to mammalian ACE2 receptors, it did not show “efficient” human binding.

However, Shi’s team stated that HKU5-CoV-2 had adapted more effectively to human ACE2 receptors compared to lineage 1 of the virus, suggesting a broader host range and a higher potential for interspecies transmission.

Despite these findings, the researchers emphasized that the virus's efficiency remains “significantly lower” than that of SARS-CoV-2, and they cautioned against exaggerating the risk of HKU5-CoV-2 emerging in human populations. Nonetheless, they stressed the need for continued monitoring of the virus to assess its potential threat.

The Origins of COVID-19: The Bat Connection

Bats have long been identified as natural reservoirs for coronaviruses. Past outbreaks, such as SARS (2002-03) and MERS (2012), were both traced back to bat coronaviruses before jumping to humans via intermediate hosts—civets for SARS and camels for MERS. Similarly, SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, shares a high genetic similarity with bat coronaviruses, particularly RaTG13, found in horseshoe bats in China. Another related strain, BANAL-52, was discovered in bats from Laos, further supporting the bat origin theory.

Possible Intermediate Hosts

While bats are believed to be the primary source, direct bat-to-human transmission is considered unlikely. Scientists suspect an intermediate host played a role in spreading the virus to humans. Early studies suggested pangolins as potential carriers, as they host coronaviruses similar to SARS-CoV-2. Other animals, such as raccoon dogs and minks, have also been investigated. However, no conclusive evidence has pinpointed a definitive intermediate host.

The Wuhan Wet Market Theory

One of the leading theories suggests that the virus made its way to humans through the wildlife trade at the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, China. Many early COVID-19 cases were linked to the market, where wild animals were sold. This aligns with previous zoonotic spillovers, where viruses jump from animals to humans in high-contact environments.

The Lab-Leak Hypothesis and Ongoing Debate

While the zoonotic origin theory is widely supported, an alternative hypothesis suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may have accidentally leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Some intelligence agencies have explored this possibility, though no concrete evidence has been found to support the claim. Scientific consensus still leans toward natural spillover, though investigations remain ongoing.

Why Understanding COVID Origins Matters

Determining how COVID-19 emerged is crucial for preventing future pandemics. If the virus originated from wildlife, stricter regulations on animal markets and better surveillance of zoonotic diseases are needed. If a lab accident played a role, improved biosafety measures would be essential. Regardless of the origin, studying SARS-CoV-2’s emergence can help the world prepare for and prevent similar outbreaks in the future.