A coronavirus known as GX_P2V was modified in China by scientists at Beijing University of Chemical Technology. This mutant virus has acquired genetic mutations that allow it to do thisinfect human cells as well as humanized transgenic mice.
This work was presented on the BioRxuv website and has not yet been reviewed by the scientific community, he indicates Le Figaro. The research began in 2020, when the origin of covid-19 was not yet known. The scientists subjected it to two different viruses “humanized mice”, that is, who they were genetically modified present similarities with human cells.
So, researchers worked on these viruses and kept them in conditions that favored their mutation. The four mice infected with one of the two viruses, called GX_P2V, died. Scientists have discovered it the viral load was particularly high in their brains. The modified virus infected the respiratory system of rodents before ascending to the nervous system.
“Very worrying” research.
Asked by Le FigaroBruno Canard, director of research at the CNRS and leader of the viral replication team at the Laboratory of Architecture and Function of Biological Macromolecules (AFMB) in Marseille, judged this “very worrying” research. “The balance between these scientific teachings and the extremely dangerous potential of these manipulations it is very unfavorable,” he said.
The manipulation of this virus resembles a gain-of-function experiment, which involves genetically modifying viruses to make them more transmissible or more virulent. The goal of these experiments is to work on viruses to create vaccines.
The practice of these experiments was regulated by a moratorium until 2017, but regulations differ depending on the country. These manipulations remain prohibited in France. “No information is provided on the security level of the laboratory where these manipulations took place. The idea that this virus can escape is therefore completely credible,” warned Bruno Canard In Le Figaro.
The editorial team recommends
Using your RTL account, subscribe to the RTL information newsletter to follow all the latest news daily
to know more
2024-01-19 16:29:00
#worry #potentially #deadly #labcreated #coronavirus