Virology under the Microscope-a Call for Rational Discourse.
mBio
; 14(1): e0018823, 2023 02 28.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36700642
ABSTRACT
Viruses have brought humanity many challenges respiratory infection, cancer, neurological impairment and immunosuppression to name a few. Virology research over the last 60+ years has responded to reduce this disease burden with vaccines and antivirals. Despite this long history, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented attention to the field of virology. Some of this attention is focused on concern about the safe conduct of research with human pathogens. A small but vocal group of individuals has seized upon these concerns - conflating legitimate questions about safely conducting virus-related research with uncertainties over the origins of SARS-CoV-2. The result has fueled public confusion and, in many instances, ill-informed condemnation of virology. With this article, we seek to promote a return to rational discourse. We explain the use of gain-of-function approaches in science, discuss the possible origins of SARS-CoV-2 and outline current regulatory structures that provide oversight for virological research in the United States. By offering our expertise, we - a broad group of working virologists - seek to aid policy makers in navigating these controversial issues. Balanced, evidence-based discourse is essential to addressing public concern while maintaining and expanding much-needed research in virology.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Infecções Respiratórias
/
Vírus
/
COVID-19
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
MBio
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos