Scientists Warn Newly Discovered Chinese Virus Nears Pandemic Threshold
New Coronavirus HKU5 Sparks Pandemic Concerns, Linked to MERS and Lab in China
(Approximately 600 words)
Scientists warn that a newly identified coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, discovered in China, could pose a pandemic threat. Closely related to the deadly MERS virus—which has a 34% fatality rate—HKU5 is "one small mutation away" from infecting humans, according to a Nature Communications study led by Washington State University.
Lab Origins and MERS Connection
HKU5 was first identified in bats by researchers at a Chinese lab linked to COVID-19’s speculated origin. The Washington State team found that minor genetic tweaks to its spike protein could allow it to bind to human ACE2 receptors—proteins in our nose, throat, and lungs that viruses use to enter cells. Using pseudoviruses (non-replicating viral particles), they tested HKU5’s ability to infect cells. While it easily infiltrated bat cells, human cells required specific mutations for infection.
![Image: Illustration of the spike protein structure binding to a cell receptor. Caption: HKU5’s spike protein could mutate to latch onto human ACE2 receptors, enabling infection.]
Transmission Risks and Intermediate Hosts
Researchers warn that intermediate animals like minks or civets could act as a bridge, allowing HKU5 to acquire dangerous mutations. This mirrors the early COVID-19 theories, where both lab leakage and wet market spillover were debated. The Wuhan Institute of Virology, previously scrutinized for handling coronaviruses, has studied HKU5 strains, adding to global vigilance.
![Image: Bats in a cave. Caption: Bats, the primary carriers of HKU5, are a known reservoir for coronaviruses.]
Key Findings and Global Concerns
The study highlights HKU5’s potential within the merbecovirus family, which includes MERS. Using advanced imaging, researchers observed the virus’s spike protein structure, revealing a "closed" position that makes infection harder—but not impossible. Professor Michael Letko emphasized, "These viruses are so close to MERS. If they jump to humans, the impact could be devastating."
Earlier in 2024, Wuhan researchers found a specific HKU5 strain (Lineage 2) already capable of binding to human ACE2. The U.S. study expanded this, showing multiple HKU5 variants might only need a few mutations to pose a threat.
![Image: Scientists in a lab analyzing samples. Caption: Researchers use pseudoviruses and AI to model outbreak risks.]
Call for Vigilance
While no human cases exist yet, the proximity to a potential outbreak demands proactive monitoring. Scientists urge tighter wildlife trade regulations and continued research into coronavirus variants. As history shows with COVID-19, preparedness is key to preventing another global crisis.
This condensed summary underscores HKU5’s risks while emphasizing ongoing scientific efforts to track and mitigate pandemic threats.
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