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Khosta Virus
The Khosta virus is a newly discovered sarbecovirus closely related to the virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2. Khosta is capable of infecting human cells, unlike most sarbecoviruses. Not only that, but it may even be resistant to vaccines. It has been found that a specific line of Khosta, known as Khosta-2, uses the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor to enter human cells, a similar method in which SARS-CoV-2 operates. On the other hand, the other line Khosta-1 poses a low risk to humans and does not pose too much of a threat to spread in the human population.

The Khosta viruses were initially discovered in Russian bats. While the origin of these lines of viruses is not well known, they are genetically distinct from SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. The potential risk of Khosta-2 combining with SARS-CoV-2 is unknown due to limited research on the Khosta virus from its recency; there are specific concerns about the ability of the virus to spill back from humans to wildlife. Despite similar pathogenesis methods, Khosta-2 is resistant to the COVID-19 vaccine and antibodies of omicron-infected individuals. In order to combat possible future sarbecovirus strains, it is suggested that there is a need to develop a wide-spectrum sarbecovirus vaccine. It is recommended to conduct active surveillance, investigation, and monitoring efforts of the current strains and to take appropriate measures so that the risk can be adequately addressed.

Taxonomy
The Khosta virus is a member of the realm Riboviria, which includes all RNA viruses. It belongs to the kingdom Orthornavirae, a group of RNA viruses that infect animals and humans. Within Orthornavirae, it is classified in the phylum Pisuviricota, a group that contains enveloped, positive-sense RNA viruses. The Khosta virus is further classified in the class Pisoniviricetes, a group that includes nidoviruses with large RNA genomes. It is classified in the order Nidovirales, which includes a variety of positive-sense RNA viruses that are important human and animal pathogens. The Khosta virus belongs to the family Coronaviridae, a group of viruses known for their distinct crown-like appearance under an electron microscope. Specifically, it is a member of the subfamily Orthocoronavirinae, which includes the beta coronaviruses. Finally, the Khosta virus is classified in the genus Betacoronavirus, a group of viruses that includes several important human and animal pathogens, including the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus. Overall, the taxonomy of the Khosta virus places it among a diverse group of RNA viruses that are capable of causing a wide range of diseases in humans and animals.

Discovery & History
The Khosta virus is a relatively new discovery in the field of virology, and its identification and characterization are significant for understanding the diversity and distribution of coronaviruses in horseshoe bats. Horseshoe bats are known to be native to Asia, Europe, and North Africa. They have been found to harbor several SARS-like coronaviruses in the subgenus Sarbecovirus of the genus Betacoronavirus of the family Coronaviridae. The Chinese rufous and king horseshoe bats are crucial in spreading viruses similar to SARS-CoV in East Asia, particularly in China.

Similarly, in Europe, SARS-CoV-like viruses have been identified in the greater, lesser, Mediterranean, Mehely's, and Blasius' horseshoe bats. The prevalence of SARS-like coronaviruses among bats in different caves/colonies can vary from 0% to 60%, indicating a complex and dynamic ecology of these viruses in bats. In Russia, three species of horseshoe bats, including the greater, lesser, and Mediterranean, are common in the southern regions lying below about 44° north latitude, primarily including North Caucasus and Crimea. In a recent study, researchers hypothesized that SARS-like coronaviruses could be circulating in local populations of horseshoe bats in the region, and their study confirmed the presence of the Khosta virus in the bat populations.

The bigger horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), where the Khosta virus was first found, is named after the Khosta area of Sochi, Russia. The finding of the Khosta virus underscores the necessity for ongoing surveillance and monitoring of bat populations for zoonotic viruses. It increases our understanding of the diversity and distribution of coronaviruses in horseshoe bats. Overall, it is crucial to identify and characterize the Khosta virus and other coronaviruses that resemble SARS in horseshoe bats to comprehend the ecology, evolution, and risk of these viruses spreading to people or other species. The global COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the significance of researching and monitoring bat populations for new zoonotic viruses.

Reproduction & Spread
The Khosta virus replicates using the host cell machinery to produce new viral particles. The life cycle of the Khosta virus involves several advanced steps that require precise mechanisms to function. The virus attaches to the host cells by binding to a receptor on the surface of the cells. The receptor the Khosta virus binds to is called angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2). Once the virus attaches to the receptor, it fuses with the host cell membrane and enters the cell. The protein in the Khosta virus that connects to the receptor is Spike protein (S-protein). The binding of this protein primarily impacts the infection's severity. The stronger the binding of the S-protein, the more likely the virus will prolong. Once inside the host cell, the coronavirus releases its RNA genome. The viral RNA then serves as a template for new viral RNA copies. The host cell machinery is hijacked to replicate the virus genome, creating new virus particles. The host cell machinery then translates the viral RNA into viral proteins. These proteins are the building blocks for new virus particles. The newly formed viral RNA and proteins assemble to form new virus particles. These particles then exit the host cell, ready to infect new cells and continue the replication cycle.