title: Gain-of-Function Research and the Relevance to Clinical Practice.
abstract: The ongoing moratorium on gain-of-function (GOF) research with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus has drawn attention to the current debate on these research practices and the potential benefits and risks they present. While much of the discussion has been steered by members of the microbiology and policy communities, additional input from medical practitioners will be highly valuable toward developing a broadly inclusive policy that considers the relative value and harm of GOF research. This review attempts to serve as a primer on the topic for the clinical community by providing a historical context for GOF research, summarizing concerns about its risks, and surveying the medical products that it has yielded.
authors.affiliation: BioDefense Branch, Biosciences Division, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground.
authors.forename: Andy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kilianski
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center-Center for Health Security, Baltimore.
authors.forename: Jennifer B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Nuzzo
authors.affiliation: US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute for Research, Silver Spring, Maryland.
authors.forename: Kayvon
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Modjarrad
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000592:standards*; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity; D051379:Mice; D065207:Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity; D009154:Mutation; D058873:Pandemics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012327:RNA Virus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards*; D045473:Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity
keywords: coronavirus; gain of function; health policy; influenza; potential pandemic pathogens; science policy