New Kenyan Bat Coronavirus Found Capable of Infecting Human Cells, Raising Spillover and Pandemic Concerns

Scientists have identified an East African bat coronavirus capable of entering human cells through the CEACAM6 receptor, raising concerns about potential zoonotic spillover. The virus, found in heart-nosed bats in Kenya, can bind to human CEACAM6, a protein present in lung and other tissues, which is a necessary step for viral entry into host cells.

The discovery was made by an international research team led by The Pirbright Institute and published in Nature. The study involved researchers from the University of Cambridge, the University of York, the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, and the National Museums of Kenya. They screened a panel of alphacoronavirus spike proteins and found that the heart-nosed bat coronavirus, designated CcCoV-KY43, can use human CEACAM6 to gain entry into cells.

Coronaviruses infect host cells by binding their spike proteins to specific receptors on the cell surface. While SARS-CoV-2 uses the ACE2 receptor, this newly identified bat virus utilizes CEACAM6, highlighting a different potential pathway for cross-species transmission. The researchers emphasized that this binding ability does not confirm that the virus has infected humans or caused illness.

Preliminary testing in Kenya found no evidence of the virus in local human populations, and there are currently no signs of human infection or transmission. However, the virus’s ability to attach to human cells establishes a plausible route for spillover, particularly if the virus were to acquire additional adaptations for human-to-human spread.

The study contributes to ongoing efforts to identify zoonotic threats before they emerge in humans. Following the lessons of the 2019 coronavirus pandemic, researchers are focusing on surveillance in animal populations to detect viruses with spillover potential early. Understanding which receptors animal viruses can use helps assess the risk of future outbreaks and informs preparedness strategies.

Experts note that while the finding raises awareness of a novel entry mechanism, it does not indicate an imminent threat. Continued monitoring of bat coronavirus diversity and their interactions with human receptors remains critical for evaluating pandemic risks. The research underscores the importance of global collaboration in virus discovery and characterization.