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Researchers found a new virus found in Russian bats that is similar to SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind Covid-19. The virus is likely capable of infecting humans and, if it spreads, resistance to current vaccines.

The research team at the Paul G. Allen School for Global Health at Washington State University (WSU), United States found a spike protein from a bat virus. The virus, named Khosta-2, can infect human cells and is resistant to antibodies to individuals vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. Khosta-2 and SARS-CoV-2 belong to the same sub-category of coronaviruses and are known as sarbecoviruses.

“Our research further shows that sarbecovirus circulating in wildlife outside Asia, even in places like western Russia where the Khosta-2 virus is found, also poses a threat to global health and the ongoing vaccine campaign against SARS-CoV- 2," said Michael Letko, WSU virologist and author of the study published in the journal PLoS Pathogens.

Letko said the discovery of Khosta-2 highlights the need to develop a universal vaccine to protect against sarbecovirus in general. According to him, a number of groups are currently trying to make such a vaccine.

Hundreds of sarbecoviruses have been discovered in recent years, mainly in Asian bats. Most do not infect human cells. Khosta-1 and Khosta-2 viruses were discovered in Russian bats in late 2020, and initially did not appear to be a threat to humans.

"But when we looked at them further, we were really surprised to find they could infect human cells. It changes our understanding a bit about these viruses, where they come from and what areas of concern," Letko said, as quoted from the Washington State University website, Sunday (25/9/2022).

Letko is working with colleagues to study these two viruses. They are Stephanie Seifert, WSU viral ecologist, and Bonnie Gunn, WSU viral immunologist. They determined Khosta-1 posed a low risk to humans, but Khosta-2 exhibited some disturbing properties.

The team found that like SARS-CoV-2, Khosta-2 can use its spike protein to infect cells. Using serum from a human population vaccinated against Covid-19, the team looked at Khosta-2 as non-neutralizing the current vaccine. They also tested serum from people infected with the omicron variant, but the antibodies were also ineffective.

Fortunately, Letko said the new virus lacks several genes that are believed to be involved in its outbreak in humans. However, there is a risk of Khosta-2 merging with other viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. (RRI)