The $Z_{cs}(3985)$ as a threshold effect from the $\bar D_s^* D + \bar D_s D^*$ interaction

We study the $e^+ e^- \to K^+ ( D_s^{*-} D^0 + D_s^- D^{*0})$ reaction recently measured at BESIII, from where a new $Z_{cs}$ state has been reported. We study the interaction of $\bar D_s D^*$ with the coupled channels $J/\psi K^-$, $K^{*-} \eta_c$, $D_s^- D^{*0}$, $D_s^{*-} D^0$ by means of an extension to the charm sector of the local hidden gauge approach. We find that the $D_s^- D^{*0}+ D_s^{*-} D^0$ combination couples to $J/\psi K^-$ and $K^{*-} \eta_c$, but the $D_s^- D^{*0}- D_s^{*-} D^0$ combination does not. The coupled channels help to build up strength in the $D_s^- D^{*0}+ D_s^{*-} D^0$ diagonal scattering matrix close to threshold and, although the interaction is not strong enough to produce a bound state or resonance, it is sufficient to produce a large accumulation of strength at the $\bar D_s D^*$ threshold in the $e^+ e^- \to K^+ ( D_s^{*-} D^0 + D_s^- D^{*0})$ reaction in agreement with experiment.