Thought the Pandemic Was Over? Bat Virus Warns of Human Cell Infiltration Without Mutation [Reading Science]

Cambridge Study Confirms Cell Entry via CEACAM6
Clues for Pandemic Preparedness

A new study has found that some coronaviruses originating from bats can penetrate human cells through previously unknown pathways. This is the first case to specifically suggest the potential for zoonotic infection by "alphacoronaviruses," which have not been well studied until now.

A research team from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom confirmed that alphacoronaviruses can enter human cells by utilizing "carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6)," a surface protein on human cells. The research results were published in the international journal Nature on April 23, 2026 (Korean time).

Reference photo to aid understanding of the article. In July 2022, as new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resurged, citizens were waiting for testing at a screening clinic of a public health center in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Coronaviruses initiate infection when their spike proteins bind to cell surface receptors. Previous studies have focused primarily on betacoronaviruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the infection pathways of alphacoronaviruses have remained largely unexplored.

"New Infection Pathway Identified... But Transmission Still Unconfirmed"

The research team synthesized 40 types of spike proteins and analyzed their potential to bind with human receptors. As a result, they confirmed that some bat-derived viruses can enter human cells via CEACAM6. However, analysis of blood samples from residents living near bat habitats found no evidence of infection, indicating that human-to-human transmission has not been confirmed to date.

Experts interviewed by the Science Media Centre (SMC) regarded this study as an "early warning," but noted that the actual likelihood of widespread transmission may be limited.

Wendy Barclay, professor at Imperial College London, stated, "This is an important study that has identified a new receptor and demonstrates the potential for bat viruses to cross into humans." She added, however, "Many other conditions besides receptor binding are necessary for infection to occur."

Reference photo to aid in understanding the article. The Asia Business Daily DB

Benjamin Newman, professor at Texas A&M University, commented, "This case involves detection of viruses with the potential to infect humans before any outbreak occurred." He explained, "Nevertheless, additional barriers such as immune evasion and transmission capabilities must be overcome for actual spread to take place."

Korean experts offered similar evaluations. Ui-Cheol Shin, professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, said, "For a virus to begin infection, it must bind to a cell surface receptor. This study shows that some bat coronaviruses can penetrate human cells without additional mutations." He further emphasized, "However, cell entry does not necessarily lead to infection or transmission, so further verification is needed."

This study is significant in that it has identified the "first gateway" through which animal viruses can infect humans. By combining genomic analysis with high-throughput screening, this approach is expected to help assess future pandemic risks in advance and inform the development of response strategies.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.