RESUMEN
In the United States (US), biosafety and biosecurity oversight of research on viruses is being reappraised. Safety in virology research is paramount and oversight frameworks should be reviewed periodically. Changes should be made with care, however, to avoid impeding science that is essential for rapidly reducing and responding to pandemic threats as well as addressing more common challenges caused by infectious diseases. Decades of research uniquely positioned the US to be able to respond to the COVID-19 crisis with astounding speed, delivering life-saving vaccines within a year of identifying the virus. We should embolden and empower this strength, which is a vital part of protecting the health, economy, and security of US citizens. Herein, we offer our perspectives on priorities for revised rules governing virology research in the US.
Asunto(s)
Investigación Biomédica , Contención de Riesgos Biológicos , Virología , Humanos , COVID-19 , Estados Unidos , Virus , Investigación Biomédica/normasRESUMEN
HCMV genes UL135 and UL138 play opposing roles regulating latency and reactivation in CD34+ human progenitor cells (HPCs). Using the THP-1 cell line model for latency and reactivation, we designed an RNA sequencing study to compare the transcriptional profile of HCMV infection in the presence and absence of these genes. The loss of UL138 results in elevated levels of viral gene expression and increased differentiation of cell populations that support HCMV gene expression and genome synthesis. The loss of UL135 results in diminished viral gene expression during an initial burst that occurs as latency is established and no expression of eleven viral genes from the ULb' region even following stimulation for differentiation and reactivation. Transcriptional network analysis revealed host transcription factors with potential to regulate the ULb' genes in coordination with pUL135. These results reveal roles for UL135 and UL138 in regulation of viral gene expression and potentially hematopoietic differentiation.