gain-of-function

This first came up for widespread discussion in the furore that surrounded the lab in Wuhan  It was believed that gain-of-function research had been undertaken there, and that this may have lead to the development of the COVID-19 virus which may have then escaped the lab. The possibility that the lab in Wuhan was the source of the virus is speculation but that speculation has bubbled on through the course of the pandemic. It seems now to be put to rest with evidence that wild animals in the market are to blame.

Gain-of-function genetics introduces genes that give the virus a greater capacity.  So a virus that is limited to infecting one or two species might be given a gene that allows it to infect other species. The idea is that by pinning down the parts of the virus that give it the greater capacity it is possible to develop a vaccine that blocks that capacity. Gain-of-function research gives us better protection against mutations to come.

The downside is always the possibility of accidental escape from the laboratory. There are a number of laboratories around the world that undertake this kind of research.