NeoCoV was found in bats in South Africa.
Identified in In Africa, the NeoCoV coronavirus has similar principles of penetration into cells with SARS-CoV-2. It can potentially pose a danger to humans. .
NeoCoV is a close relative of the MERS-CoV coronavirus, the causative agent of the Middle East respiratory syndrome, the outbreak of which was recorded in the 2010s, scientists write.
«In this study, we unexpectedly found that NeoCoV and its close relative PDF-2180-CoV can effectively use some types of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2, the receptor through which some coronaviruses enter the body) of the bat and, less favorably, human ACE2 to enter the body&# 187;, — scientists write.
Study describes first use of ACE2 by «relatives» coronavirus MERS-CoV. This reveals «a potential biosecurity threat», they note.