Study Reveals HKU5 Bat Virus Mutation Could Spark Global Pandemic

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have identified a bat virus subgroup, HKU5, within the merbecoviruses family, which is one mutation away from potentially spilling over into humans, posing a significant pandemic threat. This study, a collaborative effort by scientists from Washington State University (WSU), the California Institute of Technology, and the University of North Carolina, sheds light on the intricacies of how these viruses could adapt to infect human populations, drawing parallels to the devastating impact of the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. The research findings were published in the respected journal Nature Communications.

Merbecoviruses, closely related to the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) that emerged in 2012 with a 34% mortality rate, have been under-studied except for their notable member, MERS-CoV, known for its transmission from dromedary camels to humans. The focus of the study on HKU5, a subgroup found across various continents, including Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, reveals its unique ability to bind to the ACE2 receptor, akin to SARS-CoV-2, albeit currently limited to bats.

The research team utilized virus-like particles, focusing on the spike protein's role in cell invasion, to assess the potential human infectivity of these viruses. While most merbecoviruses showed no direct threat to humans, HKU5's compatibility with the ACE2 receptor indicates a looming risk, should a mutation allow for better human ACE2 receptor engagement. Furthermore, a related study highlighted an HKU5 virus in China crossing into minks, suggesting these viruses' capacity to breach species barriers.

"The close relation of these viruses to MERS, combined with their potential to infect humans, underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring," stated Michael Letko, a virologist at WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and lead author of the study. The research underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive understanding and monitoring of bat viruses to preemptively address potential pandemic threats.

The implications of these findings are vast, potentially guiding future pandemic preparedness strategies. By spotlighting the HKU5 subgroup, scientists emphasize the critical need for continued research and surveillance of zoonotic viruses, which could provide pivotal insights into preventing future global health crises.