Why Do Exceptionally Dangerous Gain-of-Function Experiments in Influenza?

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Biosafety and Biosecurity

Background:

• Gain-of-function (GOF) research, particularly on influenza, has a long history, with recent debates intensifying over experiments creating potential pandemic pathogens (PPPs).
• GOF experiments enhancing transmissibility of virulent avian influenza strains raise significant biosafety concerns due to the potential for global spread.

Purpose of the Study:

• To argue against exceptionally dangerous GOF experiments aimed at creating novel, potentially pandemic influenza strains.
• To evaluate the scientific and public health value of PPP experiments against their inherent biosafety risks.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent discussions on the risks associated with GOF experiments.
• Analysis of alternative methodologies for influenza research compared to PPP creation.
• Argumentative synthesis of existing literature and ethical considerations.

Main Results:

• GOF experiments creating PPPs present unique biosafety risks extending beyond the laboratory, with potential for unprecedented global health incidents.
• The specific scientific questions answerable only by creating PPPs are narrow and unlikely to significantly advance public health goals.
• Alternative, safer methodologies for influenza research are often more cost-effective, higher throughput, and generalizable.

Conclusions:

• The unique scientific and public health value of PPP experiments is insufficient to justify the unique and severe risks they entail.
• Biosafety considerations must be paramount in experimental design, especially for research with pandemic potential.
• Researchers should prioritize safer, alternative methodologies that offer robust scientific insights and better serve public health objectives.