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Virus-Like Particle: Evolving Meanings in Different Disciplines.
Paul Hyman1, Gareth Trubl2, Stephen T Abedon3
1Department of Biology and Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, Ohio, USA.
Virus-like particles (VLPs) have evolved in meaning over 80 years. Originally observed in tissues, VLPs now differ in definition between environmental virus enumeration and vaccine development applications.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Biotechnology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- The term "virus-like particle" (VLP) has been used for approximately 80 years.
- Historically, VLPs referred to virus-like structures observed in electron microscopy images of tissues.
- The definition and application of VLPs have diverged significantly in recent scientific discourse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To trace the historical evolution of the term "virus-like particle" (VLP).
- To analyze the changing meanings of VLPs in scientific literature and applications.
- To investigate the divergence in VLP definitions between different research fields.
Main Methods:
- Historical literature review of VLP research.
- Analysis of VLP definitions across different scientific disciplines.
- Tracking changes in VLP meaning correlated with technological advancements in virology.
Main Results:
- A significant divergence exists in the definition of VLPs.
- Environmental viral ecologists define VLPs as virus-sized particles with nucleic acid, potentially functional.
- Vaccine developers and biotechnologists define VLPs as viral structures intentionally lacking a viral genome.
Conclusions:
- The meaning of virus-like particles (VLPs) is context-dependent.
- Understanding the historical and disciplinary context is crucial for interpreting VLP research.
- Technological advancements have influenced the definition and application of VLPs.
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