A controversial new study published online has sparked intense debate over gain-of-function research in China. Researchers at the Beijing University of Chemical Technology infected mice with a genetically engineered coronavirus that killed all subjects within eight days. Dubbed GX_P2V, this virus targeted the brains of mice engineered to have human-like lung cells.
Within just five days, the infected mice lost significant weight, became lethargic with whitened eyes, and died soon after. This 100% fatality rate alarmed the authors, who noted the rapid demise “underscores a spillover risk of GX_P2V into humans.” Autopsies revealed the virus had spread to the lungs, bones, eyes, tracheas and brains. The severe neurological infection ultimately killed the mice.
Genetically, GX_P2V closely resembles SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. It was first identified in pangolins in 2017, before the pandemic outbreak. This marks the first study to report 100% lethality in rodents infected with a SARS-related coronavirus. The implications for humans remain unclear.
Nonetheless, the controversial research has raised urgent biosafety concerns among scientists worldwide. Epidemiologist Francois Balloux of University College London called it “scientifically totally pointless” with needless risks. Retired Stanford professor Dr. Gennadi Glinsky said “this madness must be stopped before too late.”
Gain-of-function studies involve enhancing pathogens to be more dangerous, often to prepare for future outbreaks. This can be beneficial for preemptive vaccine development. However, lax safety protocols could also risk lab leaks that spark new pandemics. This debate reignited after COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, where virology labs studied bat coronaviruses.
China has expanded gain-of-function research since 2020, alarming US officials. Last year, the US Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines stated China’s lax oversight increases the risk of a future lab leak. She noted China’s resistance to cooperate in origins investigation.
The Beijing study appears detached from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, the controversial lab at the heart of COVID-19 lab leak theories. Its lead author is virologist Linfa Wang, who discovered over 50 new bat viruses during his career. This latest mouse study aimed to explore SARS-CoV-2 neurological pathogenesis and transmissibility.
Creating chimeric viruses by combining genetic fragments from different strains is concerning but prevalent practice in virology. The study authors state this approach helps predict spillovers and prepare countermeasures. However, engineering ostensibly more lethal or contagious pathogens in labs, regardless of intent, risks accidental exposure events with catastrophic potential.
Debate continues regarding acceptable limits on gain-of-function research. Proponents believe understanding virulence evolution and interspecies transmission justifies the risks. Critics argue studying lab-created pathogens with pandemic potential can have disastrous consequences outweighing speculative benefits.
Calls are growing for greater transparency and oversight over biological research worldwide. While vital for anticipating outbreaks, gain-of-function work on zoonotic viruses merits prudent regulation, strict controls and openness to maintain public trust. Otherwise, the very science needed to protect global health could jeopardize it.
This study reveals how vulnerable the world remains to emerging outbreaks absent binding international standards. It highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation to ensure highly dangerous pathogens are only handled safely and securely. While the benefits of gain-of-function research can be substantial, so can the risks without stringent precautions. Striking the right balance remains paramount.
