New Bat Coronavirus Raises Pandemic Concerns

Researchers from The Pirbright Institute, the University of Cambridge, the University of York, the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, and the National Museums of Kenya have identified a new bat coronavirus, Cardioderma cor coronavirus (CcCoV) KY43, which can bind to the human receptor CEACAM6. This receptor is found in human lung cells and is crucial for viral entry. The study, published in the journal *Nature*, utilized a public database of genetic sequences to synthesize spike proteins from various alphacoronaviruses, including 27 originally isolated from bats. The findings indicate that CcCoV-KY43 has the potential to enter human cells, although preliminary tests in Kenya show no evidence of human infection.

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The ability of CcCoV-KY43 to bind to human cells highlights a potential pathway for zoonotic spillover, raising concerns about future outbreaks. The researchers emphasize the importance of monitoring this virus and others like it to enhance pandemic preparedness. Professor Stephen Graham from the University of Cambridge noted, “Now that we’re aware that there is a potential risk here... we can start to prepare for it.” The study challenges previous assumptions that alphacoronaviruses primarily used a limited number of receptors, suggesting instead that they may utilize a broader range of entry points into human cells.

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The research team, funded by the UK Research and Innovation’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), aims to further investigate the prevalence of CcCoV-KY43 in bat populations and assess the risk of spillover into humans. Dr. Giulia Gallo, the lead author, stated, “Not only did we find the new coronavirus receptor in human cells ahead of any virus spillover... but the study was performed using just a piece of the virus.” This approach minimizes the need for live virus handling, thereby enhancing safety during research.

Scientists find a new way coronaviruses can get into human cells

While the findings are significant, experts caution that the ability of CcCoV-KY43 to bind to human cells does not confirm that it can replicate or cause disease in humans. Professor Stuart Neil from King’s College London remarked on the need for further research to understand the virus's behavior if it were to jump to humans. Additionally, Professor Benjamin Neuman from Texas A&M University highlighted that the virus would need to evade the immune system to spread effectively among humans.

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Despite the promising findings, there remains uncertainty regarding the virus's potential for human infection and disease. Experts have pointed out that while CcCoV-KY43 can bind to human cells, it is still unclear how it would interact with the human immune system or what disease it might cause, if any. Further studies are necessary to explore these aspects and to monitor the virus's presence in local mammal populations in Kenya.

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The research team plans to apply the computational methods used in this study to identify other potential human pathogens and to understand the broader drivers of zoonotic potential. Continued surveillance of CcCoV-KY43 and similar viruses will be crucial in preparing for any future health threats.

Scientists find a new way coronaviruses can get into human cells