Scientists have identified a new type of coronavirus in bats that has the ability to penetrate human cells - a discovery that raises concerns about a potential global threat in the future.
An international team of researchers discovered an alphacoronavirus called KY43, which can bind to receptors present in human lungs. The virus has been identified in heart-nosed bats in East Africa, including Kenya, eastern Sudan and northern Tanzania.
Although preliminary tests do not show spread to humans, researchers warn that the virus has the potential to cause infection, which could be a first step towards a new pandemic.
Texas A&M University biology professor Benjamin Neuman stressed that this is one of many viruses that are "waiting" for an opportunity to spread to humans.
"History tells us that a virus will make this transition - but we can't know which one," he said, adding that science must continue to study and prepare for the future.
Instead of using live viruses, the researchers analyzed genetic sequences and synthesized the virus's "spike" proteins, testing their ability to bind to human receptors. The results showed that KY43 is able to enter human cells.
According to the study's author, Dr. Dalan Bailey from the Pirbright Institute, this discovery challenges previous beliefs that alphacoronaviruses use only one or two receptors to infect organisms.
"We now know that these viruses can use a much wider range of receptors to enter cells," he said.
Experts point out that while the virus can enter cells, it still has to overcome other obstacles – such as evading the immune system – to spread among humans. Currently, there is no evidence that KY43 possesses this ability.
Professor Aris Katzourakis from the University of Oxford called the discovery an "important early warning".
"These events could be the first step towards future epidemics or pandemics, although we are not at that stage yet," he said.
The study, published in the scientific journal Nature, highlights the importance of continuous monitoring of viruses circulating in animals, as their transmission to humans remains one of the greatest risks to global health. /GazetaExpress/
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