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For obvious
reasons, the development of (semi)commercial research efforts in the field
of SARS-CoV has, to a large extent, been influenced by the (lack of)
recurrence of the virus in the human population. But the outbreak also
started off academic research in 3 continents (Europe, Asia and North America). Initially stimulated by special
research projects, like the European Union’s 6th Framework
Programme in the case of SARS-DTV, these efforts are still continuing and
it is fair to say that they have permanently changed the landscape of
coronavirus research in many ways. The discovery of a variety of other
novel coronaviruses has added an extra dimension to the research efforts
aimed at understanding and combating this intriguing virus group.
By
dissecting the molecular biology, pathogenesis, and immunology of the new
virus infection, the consortium of 15 European and Asian partners united in
SARS-DTV aimed to provide the scientific basis for the development of
improved diagnostics (D), therapeutics (T), and vaccines (V). In view of
the amount of detailed knowledge required for most of the strategies
described above, these obviously should be considered long-term research
aims. If successful, the history of research into HIV, for instance, has
taught us that an "arms race" will subsequently develop between
an RNA virus with a high mutation frequency and a host trying to achieve
protection with medication and/or vaccines. This prospect underlines the importance of fundamental and
applied research into both "established" and emerging virus
infections.
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Laboratory work with potentially lethal pathogens requires
many precautions aimed at preventing escape of the virus from the
laboratory and preventing infection of laboratory workers.
Courtesy of the Department
of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical
Center, the Netherlands.
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