Virologys Model Evolution
Virology has undergone a significant model evolution in recent years, with innovative research increasingly utilizing diverse animal and plant models to enhance our understanding of viral infections and host responses. The traditional reliance on a narrow range of model organisms has expanded to include non-traditional hosts, such as zebrafish, insects, and plants, providing valuable insights into the broader spectrum of viral diversity and interactions. This shift reflects a recognition of the need for more representative systems to study specific aspects of viral pathogenesis, transmission, and host immunity.
The integration of advanced technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing has further empowered researchers to manipulate host genomes and viral genomes, enabling the creation of customized models to study host-virus dynamics. This evolving landscape of model organisms in Virology not only deepens our understanding of fundamental viral biology but also holds promise for uncovering novel antiviral strategies and vaccine development across a wider spectrum of hosts.