Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential role of fur animals in the transmission of coronaviruses to humans, highlighting a recent study that identifies a mink coronavirus (MRCoV) that uses the ACE2 receptor for cell entry, similar to SARS-CoV-2 [1][2][5]. Group 1: Research Findings - A new type of mink respiratory coronavirus (MRCoV) was isolated from farmed minks suffering from pneumonia, which uses the ACE2 receptor to infect mink, bats, monkeys, and human cells [2][5]. - The study revealed that despite structural differences in the receptor binding domain (RBD) of MRCoV compared to SARS-CoV-2, they share the same binding site on the ACE2 receptor [5]. - The research identified key determinants on ACE2 and MRCoV RBD that confer efficient binding capabilities, indicating a potential for cross-species transmission [5]. Group 2: Implications and Urgency - The findings underscore the need for enhanced monitoring of fur animal farms as reservoirs for emerging pathogens, emphasizing the urgency to mitigate future coronavirus outbreaks [5]. - The study suggests that protease inhibitors and polymerase inhibitors effective against SARS-CoV-2 can also block MRCoV infection, revealing a potential therapeutic strategy [5].