The Reemergent 1977 H1N1 Strain and the Gain-of-Function Debate.

ABSTRACT: The 1977-1978 influenza epidemic was probably not a natural event, as the genetic sequence of the virus was nearly identical to the sequences of decades-old strains. While there are several hypotheses that could explain its origin, the possibility that the 1977 epidemic resulted from a laboratory accident has recently gained popularity in discussions about the biosafety risks of gain-of-function (GOF) influenza virus research, as an argument for why this research should not be performed. There is now a moratorium in the United States on funding GOF research while the benefits and risks, including the potential for accident, are analyzed. Given the importance of this historical epidemic to ongoing policy debates, we revisit the evidence that the 1977 epidemic was not natural and examine thr

SUBMITTER: Rozo M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4542197 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature