Viruses are often portrayed as simple biological entities, yet they can also be seen as remarkable nanomachines, sophisticated by evolution. They are, thus, highly effective infectious agents—but could also be powerful tools for biotechnology. If researchers can harness and redirect these viral capabilities, engineered viruses could be used to stimulate protective immune responses through novel vaccines or selectively target and destroy cancer cells through oncolytic virotherapy, opening exciting new frontiers in biomedical science.
RNA viruses are particularly attractive candidates for these applications because they replicate and act efficiently. Their small genomes also make them comparatively accessible for genetic engineering. However, before scientists can redesign viruses for beneficial purposes, they must first gain precise control over their genetic information. This is where reverse genetics becomes indispensable. By constructing a DNA copy—known as an infectious clone—of an RNA virus, researchers can introduce specific genetic modifications, study how particular mutations affect viral behavior, and create viruses with desired properties for research, vaccine development, or therapeutic use.
Addressing this need precisely, the course "Reverse Genetics of Viruses and its Applications in Virotherapy and Vaccine Development", held from 25–30 May 2026 in Montevideo, Uruguay, provided participants with a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of viral reverse genetics. The course combined lectures, discussions, and intensive laboratory sessions focused on the design and construction of infectious clones, mutagenesis strategies, in vitro transcription systems, viral recovery, detection and quantification methods, and the development of engineered RNA viruses for vaccine and oncolytic applications.
A major strength of the course was its strong experimental component. Participants gained hands-on experience with techniques routinely used in advanced virology laboratories, including nucleic acid transfection, virus production, plaque assays, viral quantification, assessment of cytopathic effects, and evaluation of oncolytic activity in tumor cell lines.
The initiative also served as an important platform for regional scientific capacity development, bringing together 21 participants from across Latin America and a distinguished group of international and regional experts.
UNU-BIOLAC warmly congratulates Dr. Pilar Moreno for leading this outstanding academic initiative, as well as Dr. Gonzalo Moratorio, Dr. Natalia Echeverría, the invited speakers, and the teams at the Institut Pasteur de Montevideo and the Facultad de Ciencias of the Universidad de la República for their commitment to advancing virology education and research in Latin America.
