When gain-of-function research is not "gain-of-function" research

EMBO Rep. 2015 Dec;16(12):1586-7. doi: 10.15252/embr.201541617. Epub 2015 Nov 4.

Abstract

The recent publication of an influenza high‐yield vaccine backbone again raises questions about the regulation of gain‐of‐function research with dangerous pathogens. It shows that the current classification system based on select pathogens needs a more fine‐grained distinction to better identify those pathogens and their strains that have pandemic potential.

MeSH terms

  • Biomedical Research* / ethics
  • Biomedical Research* / standards
  • Orthomyxoviridae / genetics*
  • Policy
  • Security Measures