What the study found
The study found that a heart-nosed bat coronavirus called CcCoV-KY43 can enter human cells by using human CEACAM6, a cell-surface receptor protein. The authors also report that related alphacoronaviruses from East Africa and other regions show CEACAM6 use or related CEACAM6 tropism.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say that identifying viruses with zoonotic potential based on their ability to enter human cells is important for pandemic prediction, prevention and preparedness. They conclude that alphacoronaviruses using CEACAM6 are probably geographically widespread and that viruses from East Africa show potential for transmission to humans.
What the researchers tested
They also examined additional related alphacoronaviruses from Kenya, Russia and China.
What worked and what didn't
Overexpression of human CEACAM6 conferred permissivity to otherwise refractory human cells, and a crystal structure showed that the receptor-binding domain binds the amino-terminal IgV-like domain of CEACAM6. Sera from the Taveta region did not show significant evidence of recent spillover.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed study limitations. It also does not show evidence of recent spillover in the human serum samples tested, so the results are about receptor usage and potential transmission rather than confirmed human infection.
Key points
- CcCoV-KY43, a heart-nosed bat coronavirus, could enter human cells.
- Human CEACAM6 was identified as the receptor used for entry.
- CEACAM3 and CEACAM5 also showed direct interactions with the viral receptor-binding domain.
- CEACAM6 overexpression made otherwise resistant human cells permissive.
- Sera from the Taveta region of Kenya did not show significant evidence of recent spillover.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Heart-nosed bat coronaviruses can use human CEACAM6
- Authors:
- Giulia Gallo, Antonello Di Nardo, Doreen Lugano, Adam J. Roberts, Bernadette Ataku Kutima, Moses Okombo, Aghnianditya Kresno Dewantari, Florence M. M. Buckley, Gavin J. Wright, James Nyagwange, Bernard Agwanda, Stephen C. Graham, Dalan Bailey
- Institutions:
- Hull York Medical School, Hull York Medical School, Imperial College London, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kenya Medical Research Institute, National Museums of Kenya, The Pirbright Institute, The Pirbright Institute, The Pirbright Institute, The Pirbright Institute, University of Cambridge, University of Cambridge, University of Cambridge
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-22
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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