Bat-infecting merbecovirus HKU5-CoV can use human ACE2 as a cell entry receptor (cell.com)

A new risky gain-of-function experiment performed by the Wuhan Institute of Virology demonstrates infection and broad host tropism in humans using HKU5-CoV-2.

This virus is closely related to the lethal MERS-CoV, responsible for the 2012 Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus outbreaks.

Why is the world continuing to allow gain of function at WIV? It really highlights China’s irresponsible approach, and makes it even more likely that COVID-19 started there.