On February 21, 2025, researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, announced the discovery of a new bat-derived coronavirus, ‘HKU5-CoV-2’. The research team stated that this virus has the potential to bind to the human ACE2 receptor, theoretically suggesting the possibility of animal-to-human transmission. This study once again underscores the necessity of continuous monitoring of bat-derived coronaviruses.
HKU5-CoV-2 belongs to the Merbecovirus group, the same lineage as the virus that causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Experimental results conducted by the research team indicate that this virus exhibits the ability to infect not only human cells but also organ tissues. However, the researchers explained that HKU5-CoV-2 does not penetrate human cells as easily as SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.
Additionally, HKU5-CoV-2 appears to have the potential to infect not only bats but also several other animal hosts. Accordingly, the researchers emphasized the need for further studies on the possibility of this virus being transmitted to humans via other animals. While there have been no direct detections of the virus in humans so far, the possibility of it acquiring mutations that enhance its infectivity cannot be ruled out.
The study results suggest that while HKU5-CoV-2 has the potential to infect humans, there are no reported cases of direct human infection yet, making it difficult to classify as an immediate public health threat. The researchers highlighted that although this virus might undergo mutations that enable human infection, further research is required to determine whether it will actually be transmitted to humans in natural conditions.
Notably, predicting viral mutations and the pathways of infection has emerged as a crucial issue. If HKU5-CoV-2 undergoes genetic recombination with other viruses, its transmissibility could increase. This is a factor that cannot be ignored, considering how rapidly new viruses can mutate, as observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the research team stressed the need for continuous genetic sequencing and animal experiments to meticulously investigate the potential impact of this virus on humans.
The scientific community has consistently studied the role of bats as hosts for various coronaviruses. Bats possess naturally strong immune systems, allowing them to harbor multiple viruses without becoming infected themselves. However, if these viruses mutate and spread to humans, they could potentially trigger a pandemic similar to COVID-19.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, research on bat-derived viruses has intensified, and the discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 is part of these efforts. The researchers emphasized that continuous surveillance and studies on bat-derived viruses are essential to prevent the emergence of new infectious diseases. In particular, as environmental destruction increases human-wildlife interactions, the likelihood of bat-origin viruses transmitting to humans is also rising.
Public Health Response and Outlook
Although the impact of HKU5-CoV-2 on human society remains uncertain, the discovery of such viruses plays a crucial role in strengthening preparedness against potential pandemics. Scientists will continue to study whether the virus mutates, its ability to infect human cells, and its transmission pathways in natural ecosystems.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and various health organizations have raised the need to reinforce surveillance systems for bat-derived viruses. Research institutions worldwide are urged to conduct thorough investigations into these viruses and continue foundational studies for vaccine and treatment development.
At present, HKU5-CoV-2 poses a low risk of an immediate health threat, but enhancing viral surveillance and research can help prevent future infectious disease outbreaks in their early stages. Experts recommend that governments and the scientific community collaborate to continuously improve epidemic response strategies and strengthen international cooperation in tracking and analyzing bat-derived viruses.
