What is GX_P2V
GX_P2V is a mutant coronavirus strain reportedly engineered by Chinese scientists, with a 100% fatality rate observed in genetically modified mice. This strain, cloned from a pangolin-related coronavirus, exhibits unique infection patterns and high viral loads, particularly in the brain and eyes of the mice.
It raises concerns about potential human spillover risks. The scientific community has debated the necessity and biosafety of this research, given the rapid lethality observed in the study and its potential implications.
Groundbreaking Study Reveals Lethal Coronavirus Strain GX_P2V’s Impact on Lab Mice
In a startling development, Chinese scientists have engineered a new coronavirus strain, GX_P2V, demonstrating a 100% fatality rate in specifically modified lab mice. This study, originating from the Beijing University of Chemical Technology, raises significant concerns and debates in the scientific community.
The mice, genetically altered to resemble human protein structures, succumbed to the virus within a week, showcasing symptoms like rapid weight loss and fatigue. Notably, this strain, initially found in pangolins and evolved over time, exhibits a unique infection pattern, severely affecting the brain and eyes.
The mice, genetically altered to resemble human protein structures, succumbed to the virus within a week, showcasing symptoms like rapid weight loss and fatigue. NThe results of this experiment have sparked a global discussion regarding the potential risks of such viruses jumping to humans, emphasizing the need for robust biosafety measures. Critics question the study’s scientific necessity, echoing concerns similar to those raised during the initial COVID-19 outbreak.otably, this strain, initially found in pangolins and evolved over time, exhibits a unique infection pattern, severely affecting the brain and eyes.
How GX_P2V can affect Humans
The impact of the GX_P2V coronavirus strain on human beings is currently a matter of speculation and concern, rather than established fact. This strain, which has shown a 100% fatality rate in lab-modified mice, possesses unique characteristics that differentiate it from other known coronavirus strains, including SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19.
However, since the studies and experiments have been conducted only in a controlled laboratory environment on genetically modified mice, the exact implications for human infection and disease progression are not clearly understood. It’s crucial for further research and rigorous scientific evaluation to determine the potential risks and transmissibility of GX_P2V in humans.
How GX_P2V can be lethal?
The GX_P2V coronavirus strain demonstrated a 100% fatality rate in genetically modified mice in a laboratory setting, indicating its high lethality in that specific context. The reasons for its lethality can be attributed to several factors based on what is generally known about viral pathogenesis:
Genetic Modifications: GX_P2V, being a genetically engineered variant, might possess mutations that enhance its ability to infect and cause disease. This can include changes that increase the virus’s ability to bind to host cells, evade the immune system, or replicate more efficiently.
Viral Load and Tissue Tropism: The study noted high levels of the virus in the brains and eyes of the infected mice. This suggests that GX_P2V may have a preference for infecting certain tissues (tissue tropism) more aggressively, leading to more severe outcomes.
Immune System Evasion: Many viruses, especially those in the coronavirus family, have mechanisms to evade or suppress the immune system. GX_P2V might possess enhanced capabilities in this regard, preventing the host from effectively fighting off the infection.
Induction of Severe Symptoms: The infected mice exhibited severe symptoms like rapid weight loss and fatigue, indicating that the virus may trigger a strong and damaging response in the body, potentially leading to organ failure and death.
Lack of Existing Immunity: As a novel strain, there would be little to no pre-existing immunity in the population, which can result in more severe outcomes, especially in populations without cross-protective immunity from related viruses.
Potential for Cytokine Storm: Severe viral infections can sometimes trigger a cytokine storm, an excessive immune response that can be damaging and fatal.
It’s important to note that the lethality of GX_P2V observed in genetically modified mice does not necessarily translate directly to humans. The reaction in humans could be different due to various factors, including differences in physiology and the immune system.
What measures should be taken to control GX_P2V spread worldwide?
- Strict Biosafety Protocols: Laboratories working with such viruses must adhere to the highest biosafety standards to prevent accidental release.
Surveillance and Monitoring: Close monitoring of any outbreaks and mutations in wildlife or human populations is crucial.
Rapid Response Systems: In case of any outbreak, a rapid response system including quick identification, isolation, and treatment is necessary.
Public Health Preparedness: Governments and health organizations should be prepared with plans for containment, including vaccination strategies if applicable.
International Collaboration: Sharing information and resources globally is essential for tracking and controlling the spread of the virus.
Research and Development: Ongoing research to understand the virus’s transmission, effects, and possible treatments or vaccines is vital.
Is GX_P2V linked with Wuhan Institute of Virology in China
So far the information available does not establish a direct link between the GX_P2V coronavirus strain and the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China. The reports and studies related to GX_P2V focus primarily on its characteristics, effects on lab-modified mice, and the potential risks it poses. They do not specify any connection with the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
Is there any vaccine available for GX_P2V
No, As of January 2024, there is no specific vaccine for the GX_P2V coronavirus strain. Vaccine development is a complex and time-intensive process that involves multiple stages, including research, preclinical trials, clinical trials, and regulatory approval.
How different news agencies report this study on their Platforms
Dailymail UK
Chinese scientists in Beijing have created a mutant coronavirus strain called GX_P2V, which has proven to be 100% lethal in specially modified mice. This strain, cloned from a virus found in pangolins, caused the death of all the mice within eight days of infection. What makes GX_P2V particularly alarming is its ability to attack the brain and eyes, differing from COVID-19, which primarily affects the lower respiratory system.
The mice used in the study were engineered to express human proteins, aiming to simulate how the virus might behave in humans. The infected mice displayed severe symptoms, including white eyes, rapid weight loss, and fatigue. Researchers noted high virus levels in the brain, suggesting a different infection pattern from typical respiratory viruses.
Critics have expressed concern over this research, fearing potential risks to humans and questioning the scientific value and biosafety of the study. The absence of detailed biosafety information has raised concerns about the potential for accidental release or misuse of such pathogens.
This study has sparked a wider debate about the ethical and safety implications of such research, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic’s origins and the ongoing scrutiny over virus research practices.
The Weather Channel
Chinese scientists have created a mutant COVID-19-like virus, named GX_P2V, that killed all the “humanized” mice in a study. This virus, which was first found in pangolins, has been genetically altered and tested on mice that have been modified to have a genetic makeup similar to humans. The study, not yet peer-reviewed, discovered that GX_P2V mainly attacks the brain, leading to rapid death in just eight days. The infected mice showed severe symptoms, including weight loss and changes in behavior and appearance. However, some experts criticize the study, calling it pointless and risky, with potential negative consequences.
First Post
Scientists studied the effects of a lab-made pangolin coronavirus (GX_P2V) on mice and found it highly lethal. The GX_P2V virus, related to SARS-CoV-2 and originating from pangolins, caused severe symptoms in the mice, including rapid weight loss, sluggishness, and white eyes. All infected mice died within eight days, with the virus notably spreading to their brains, eyes, and lungs. The viral load increased in their brains towards the end of their lives, suggesting brain infection as a possible cause of death. This alarming result led to concerns about GX_P2V potentially affecting humans, as the study showed a 100% mortality rate in mice. Researchers plan further studies using a live virus variant to better understand GX_P2V’s potential threat to humans.
New York Post
In a study from Beijing, Chinese scientists created a new COVID-19 strain, GX_P2V, which killed all the mice it was tested on. These mice were specially designed to have genes like humans. The virus severely affected the mice’s brains, leading to their death within eight days. The mice showed rapid weight loss and other severe symptoms before dying. This strain is a mutation of a virus found in Malaysian pangolins. However, it’s unclear how this virus would affect humans. Critics, including experts like Francois Balloux and Richard H. Ebright, criticized the study for its potential risks and lack of clear safety measures. They worry about similar dangers as those associated with early COVID-19 research in Wuhan