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.

Keywords: coronavirus; gain of function; health policy; influenza; potential pandemic pathogens; science policy.

Figure 1.

Historical perspective on recent debates associated with gain-of-function (GOF) research. Abbreviations: DHHS, Department of Health and Human Services; EMC, Erasmus University Medical Center; HPAI, highly pathogenic avian influenza virus; MERS-CoV, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus; NIH, National Institutes of Health; NSABB, National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity; SARS-CoV, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus; USG, US government.