Research Driven by Curiosity: The Journey from Basic Molecular Biology and Virology to Studies of Human Pathogenic Coronaviruses

Perlman, Stanley

This journey from studies of murine coronaviruses to those of serious human pathogens illustrates the importance of research driven initially by curiosity. In the absence of public investment in research of animal and very mildly pathogenic coronaviruses, we would not have had a basis for developing prophylactic and therapeutic options in humans infected with the SARS or MERS coronaviruses. While working with pathogenic coronaviruses is critical for contributing to human health, it is not always easy. Members of my laboratory conduct all of their work under biosafety and biosecurity conditions that minimize the risk of pathogen release or inadvertent spread. Working under these conditions makes experimental manipulations more complicated and expensive, but these precautions are essential for the work. In addition to training in basic molecular virology and pathogenesis, we and others in the field have developed skills in educating governmental and healthcare authorities as well as the general public about the importance of human coronavirus research. One of the main lessons that the coronavirus community, as well as the public at large, learned from the 2002–2003 SARS outbreak was that the “fear factor” was at least as important as the actual disease. This was emphasized recently in the response to MERS research, in which some individuals focused largely on possible risks to biosafety and biosecurity posed by the studies, without considering the public health consequences of terminating ongoing studies. This response is short-sighted because it is only through basic research into these pathogens that we will be prepared for future outbreaks.