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Modeling The Lifecycle Of Ebola Virus Under Biosafety Level 2 Conditions With Virus-like Particles Containing Tetracistronic Minigenomes
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Filoviruses: Scientific Gaps and Prototype Pathogen Recommendation

Lesley C Dupuy1, Christina F Spiropoulou2, Jonathan S Towner2

  • 1Virology Branch, Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|October 18, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Filoviridae viruses, like Ebola and Marburg, cause severe hemorrhagic fevers. This review identifies critical knowledge gaps and potential candidates for pandemic preparedness against these high-priority pathogens.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Filoviruses, including Ebola virus (EBOV) and Marburg virus (MARV), are highly virulent pathogens responsible for severe hemorrhagic fevers in humans and primates.
  • Outbreaks in sub-Saharan Africa exhibit high case fatality rates (25-90%), with increasing frequency and geographic spread, necessitating robust pandemic preparedness.
  • Despite being designated high-priority pathogens, significant scientific knowledge gaps persist regarding filovirus biology and pathogenesis.

Approach:

  • This review synthesizes current knowledge on filoviruses, focusing on critical research areas.
  • It assesses potential prototype pathogen candidates for developing effective countermeasures.
  • The analysis highlights the urgent need for further research to address existing scientific gaps.

Key Points:

  • Filovirus outbreaks pose a significant global health threat due to high mortality and potential for rapid spread.
  • Existing scientific knowledge is insufficient for comprehensive pandemic preparedness against filoviruses.
  • Identifying and characterizing prototype pathogens is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing scientific gaps in filovirus research is paramount for effective pandemic preparedness.
  • Further investigation into prototype filovirus pathogens is essential for vaccine and therapeutic development.
  • Enhanced global collaboration and research funding are critical to mitigate the threat of filovirus diseases.
Keywords:
Ebola virusMarburg virusSudan virusfilovirusesprototype pathogensscientific gaps

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