Shi Zhengli, known for her work with bat coronaviruses at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, continues her research at a new laboratory in Guangzhou, China. This lab focuses on coronavirus research and is supported by U.S. taxpayer dollars through NIH funding.
Shi Zhengli is now affiliated with the Guangzhou Laboratory, a state lab in China established in 2021.
She is involved in training researchers in pathogen discovery and studying cross-species infection risks related to coronaviruses.
Current programs at Guangzhou Laboratory list Shi as an adviser, focusing on discovering new viruses and understanding their biological characteristics.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, American scientists continue collaborating with Shi's research efforts. Notably, a 2024 study involved NIH-backed funding and utilized materials provided by Shi.
Another 2025 study examined MERS-related coronaviruses using ACE2 receptors obtained from Shi’s lab, also supported by NIH funding.
Research indicates that certain bat coronaviruses can efficiently use human ACE2 receptors, raising concerns about their pathogenicity.
Shi recently presented findings suggesting that some bat SARS-related coronaviruses are capable of infecting human ACE2 transgenic mice, implying potential risks of cross-species transmission.
The collaboration between U.S. scientists and Shi Zhengli’s research continues, sparking debates about ongoing American funding for coronavirus research in China. There are concerns about the implications of this research, particularly regarding public health and safety in light of past pandemic events.
No comments:
Post a Comment