Creating a mammalian-transmissible A/H5N1 influenza virus: Social contracts, prudence, and alternative perspectives

摘要

Much has been written about 2 unpublished manuscripts submitted to Science and Nature that describe research studies in which mutant derivative strains of highly-pathogenic influenza A/H5N1 virus were created that can be transmitted by respiratory droplets or aerosols between mammals (specifically, ferrets) [1-23]. These manuscripts were referred by the US government to the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) for assessment of the dual-use research implications of this work and to make recommendations regarding the responsible communication of the work. The results of the NSABB risk-benefit review process and the subsequent recommendation that neither manuscript be fully communicated in an open forum are well-known to the international life sciences community.