Synthetic Virology
The application of synthetic virology is leading to the development of oncolytic viruses that can specifically target and destroy cancer cells, presenting a promising approach for cancer treatment. This field also allows the creation of non-infectious virus-like particles (VLPs) that mimic viral structures, serving as safe and effective vaccine candidates and drug delivery platforms. The session will provide attendees with valuable insights into emerging trends and potential future directions of innovation and research in this area.
Through synthetic biology techniques, researchers are constructing viruses from scratch, assembling viral genomes, and generating entirely new viral entities. Studies in synthetic virology are shedding light on viral evolution and adaptation to new hosts, environments, and selective pressures. However, this field also raises significant ethical and regulatory questions concerning biosecurity, dual-use research, and responsible use of engineered viruses.