Researchers in China have identified a new bat-origin coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, that is capable of infecting human cells. The strain targets the same ACE2 receptor as SARS-CoV-2, which has prompted close scrutiny from virologists. Studies suggest the variant may have evolved through mutations in its spike protein, potentially enhancing its ability to bind to human cells and possibly evade immunity induced by previous vaccines or infections. While the World Health Organization has not yet classified it as a variant of concern, experts emphasize the importance of continued surveillance to assess its transmissibility, potential severity, and response to existing treatments.
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