Shi Zhengli Disproves COVID Lab-Leak Theory with New Coronavirus Sequences
In a groundbreaking presentation at a conference in Japan, Chinese virologist Shi Zhengli has unveiled data that debunks long-standing rumors of a lab leak as the origin of the COVID-19 virus. Shi, a renowned specialist in bat coronaviruses, disclosed that none of the viruses stored in her lab at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) are direct ancestors of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the ongoing pandemic.
Sequences Analysis and Findings
Shi’s latest analysis, which has not yet undergone peer review, involves 56 new betacoronaviruses collected between 2004 and 2021 from bats in southern China. These viruses, including complete genomes and partial sequences, were meticulously studied to determine their relationship to known coronaviruses. The results revealed that none of the newly sequenced viruses are closely related to SARS-CoV-2 or its predecessor, SARS-CoV-1.
During her presentation, Shi emphasized, “We didn’t find any new sequences which are more closely related to SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2.” This crucial information dispels any lingering doubts about the lab’s involvement in the emergence of the current pandemic and supports Shi’s consistent claims that SARS-CoV-2 was never present in her research collection.
Collaboration and Research Impact
Shi’s collaboration with Peter Daszak of the EcoHealth Alliance has been pivotal in expanding our understanding of coronaviruses and their potential risks to human health. Together, they conducted extensive surveys of bat populations in southern China, collecting over 15,000 swabs for coronavirus testing. This collaborative effort, funded by US agencies, has significantly contributed to the identification of new viral lineages and the discovery of crucial information for public health interventions.
Jonathan Pekar, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Edinburgh, commended Shi’s work, stating, “This just validates what she was saying: that she did not have anything extremely closely related, as we’ve seen in the years since.” The meticulous sequencing and analysis of coronaviruses by Shi and her team have provided valuable insights into viral evolution, recombination processes, and potential drug targets for combating future outbreaks.
Future Research Directions
Despite facing challenges such as funding cuts, delays in peer review, and government investigations, Shi and her colleagues remain committed to sharing their findings with the scientific community. Their upcoming journal submission will offer a comprehensive analysis of the 233 sequences, shedding light on the diversity, evolution, and zoonotic potential of coronaviruses. This ongoing research is crucial for enhancing our preparedness for future pandemics and understanding the complex interplay between viruses and human health.
Shi Zhengli’s dedication to unraveling the mysteries of coronavirus evolution and transmission underscores the importance of robust scientific inquiry in addressing global health challenges. Through her pioneering research and collaborative efforts, Shi continues to shape our understanding of emerging infectious diseases and advance the frontiers of virology.
