Research has revealed genetic changes in bats that help them resist viral infections, including COVID-19. Scientists have found that the ISG15 gene obtained from bats reduces SARS-CoV-2 production by approximately 80 to 90 percent.

Five years after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, scientists are still studying the long-term effects of the disease and exploring ways to prevent future pandemics.

Now, an international research team may have uncovered a crucial piece of information on this matter.

Led by Professor and Associate Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at Texas Tech University, David Ray, the Ray Laboratory contributed to a study on bat genomes published in the journal Nature.

Their research revealed that some bat species have stronger immune adaptations compared to other animals.

REDUCING VIRUS PRODUCTION UP TO 90%

Scientists focused on the ISG15 gene, particularly associated with severe cases of COVID-19. Despite carrying many viruses that can be transmitted to humans, bats are not affected by these viruses.

The study found that the ISG15 gene obtained from bats reduces SARS-CoV-2 production by 80-90%, whereas the same gene in humans did not exhibit any antiviral effect.

“REMARKABLE RESISTANCE ABILITY”

Ray stated, “Bats have a remarkable ability to resist viral infections that make us vulnerable. While we get severely ill, bats show almost no symptoms when exposed to the same pathogens.”