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Merbecoviruses One Mutation Away from Infecting Humans

  • 10 Jun 2025

In June, 2025, a study published revealed that bat viruses from the HKU5 group could potentially trigger the next global pandemic with a single mutation.

Key Points

  • Merbecoviruses: Merbecoviruses are a subgenus of coronaviruses that include MERS-CoV, which has a 34% mortality rate and originally spilled over from bats to humans.
  • The HKU5 Concern: HKU5 viruses, previously understudied, were found to bind to the ACE2 receptor — the same receptor used by SARS-CoV-2 — but currently only in bats. A minor mutation may enable them to infect humans.
  • Evidence of Cross-Species Risk: One HKU5 virus has already jumped from bats to minks in China, showing potential for zoonotic spillover.
  • AI in Virology: Using AlphaFold 3, scientists modelled the HKU5 spike protein binding to ACE2 in minutes, allowing rapid risk assessment and comparison with traditional lab findings.
  • Pandemic Preparedness: The study calls for heightened surveillance of bat viruses like HKU5 and proactive global measures to monitor and mitigate emerging zoonotic threats.