Director of the Vector Center, Alexander Agafonov: "Due to climate warming, southern viruses are affecting an increasing number of people."

The State Scientific Center for Virology and Biotechnology "Vector" of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, located in the science city of Koltsovo in the Novosibirsk region, is the largest scientific institution in the country with a unique scientific and experimental base. This facility enables the resolution of any tasks—from identifying and studying the biological properties of particularly dangerous viral infection pathogens to the development and production of diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic drugs. Additionally, "Vector" hosts a center for diagnosing orthopoxvirus infections and a museum of strains and DNA of the smallpox virus—one of only two in the world that collaborate with the World Health Organization. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the cradle of domestic molecular biology and virology. "Komsomolskaya Pravda in St. Petersburg" spoke with Alexander Agafonov, the General Director of "Vector," a Doctor of Biological Sciences, about the threat of unknown viruses, new drug development methods, and the dangers posed by permafrost.

- Alexander Petrovich, you have been working at "Vector" for over 40 years. What developments are you particularly proud of?

- Reflecting on the earliest years, I cannot help but mention projects related to the development of the first genetically engineered drug in the USSR, which is still produced today and aids in the treatment of viral diseases. Additionally, the State Scientific Center for Virology and Biotechnology "Vector" has developed and implemented the only vaccine against hepatitis A in Russia. Our work with particularly dangerous viruses is invaluable, such as analyzing the genome of the Marburg virus. Furthermore, we participated in deciphering one of the fragments of the human genome. "Vector" is the first to respond to infectious threats and develops diagnostic drugs in a short time, equipping diagnostic laboratories across the country. Speaking of the present and future plans, I want to emphasize that near the village of Koltsovo, where our research center is located, construction of the Siberian Ring Photon Source—"SKIF"—is nearing completion. We hope it will become operational by 2025. Its capabilities will allow us to determine the structure of substances down to the atom, study proteins, and create drugs against viruses that are not yet fully understood.

Alexander Agafonov has been working at "Vector" since 1983. Photo: vector.nsc.ru

- Russia is increasingly collaborating with Africa and Eastern countries, where unknown diseases often emerge and new infections mutate. What dangers does this part of the world pose for us?

- There are countless viruses. Some can cause diseases in humans, while others exist only in animals but are ready to jump to humans. The coronavirus is a vivid example of this. It infected bats and even pangolins. Sometimes, when transitioning from animals to humans, the virus does not cause serious illness. Other times, it triggers a severe reaction because the immune system is unprepared. Climate warming is a very important aspect here. Every year, more territories and, consequently, more people fall within the active zone of southern viruses. The threats of infection and dissemination become real not only for the country where this transition occurs and a new virus emerges but also for other nations.

- So it may happen that some Dengue fever becomes a familiar affliction for us?

- We are still far from that. The carrier of this virus is a specific species of mosquito. Interestingly, it transmits several diseases: the Zika virus, Chikungunya, yellow fever, but it does not survive in Russian frosts. Therefore, we encounter these diseases only if a person travels to Africa and falls ill there. Another good piece of news: this virus is transmitted only through mosquitoes. It does not spread directly from person to person. Nonetheless, for preventive measures, tourists should remember to wear light-colored clothing that covers the body as much as possible when visiting endemic countries, use repellents in the form of sprays and creams, use fumigators in hotel rooms, apply mosquito nets on doors, above beds, and on windows, and store drinking water in closed containers. Upon returning from a trip, if experiencing a fever, it is necessary to seek medical assistance and inform the doctor about the stay in a tropical climate country.

- Is there any information about the new virus in Congo that has claimed 140 lives?

- According to the latest data, it is already 400 people. For now, this is indeed an unknown disease. We have already received 12 samples from there. The World Health Organization reported that malaria was detected in 9% of the samples. Typically, such phenomena are associated with mixed infections. We are just beginning to study how different infections influence one another. Recently, possible co-infection of COVID-19 and influenza was described. They can indeed affect each other, and the disease picture can appear more severe. Returning to Africa, I would like to mention that the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing has opened two bases there. One has been operating in Guinea since 2014, at the onset of the Ebola fever outbreak. A hospital is functioning here, where we assisted local specialists in diagnostics and the organization of biosecurity. A similar base has now been established in Burundi.

There are a vast number of viruses in the world. Scientists at "Vector" stand guard over human health.

Photo: Artem KILKIN. Go to the KP Photo Bank

- Another result of global warming is the melting of permafrost, which may thaw ancient pathogens that have been trapped in ice for millions of years. Are they dangerous?

- The viability of such viruses is still in great doubt. We have collected several samples from the Yakutsk University. We will study them.

The main task is to predict what will happen with this virus in a year or two. Will it become pathogenic to humans, will it cause a serious epidemic? Such predictions can be made by studying how the virus's genome has changed from ancient times to the present day.

- What is your opinion on scientific center employees working with viruses or bacteria testing new drugs on themselves?

- This is a myth. Perhaps it originates from ancient times when engineers were forced to stand under the bridge they built. But at "Vector," all biological safety rules are strictly adhered to, and no untested drug is ever given for trial to anyone.

- You work with particularly dangerous infections. Has this had an impact on your ordinary life?

- I interacted with particularly dangerous viruses when I started my career at "Vector." This work requires wearing a special suit, similar to that of an astronaut. Access is not granted immediately. First, an employee studies safety protocols, then observes experienced specialists for a long time, and only after that begins to perform initial manipulations under the supervision of a senior employee. It takes about three years before a person is allowed to work independently. During this time, we are fully protected. Have you seen how in Africa or Southeast Asia people work with crocodiles when they stick their hands in the predator's mouth? I can tell you, this is far more dangerous than working with viruses.

- International cooperation and information exchange have always been developed in virology. Are these connections disrupted in the current geopolitical situation?

- Connections are open and probably cannot be closed. If disease cases occur somewhere, the whole world becomes aware of it. However, some scientific journals are becoming less accessible. And that is not very right. Sometimes, a scientific discovery is made in one country but kept secret. In reality, this is a misguided approach. Especially since we are fighting against a danger that poses a real threat to all humanity. And the most humanitarian aspect of science is now under sanctions. Culture behaves correctly in this respect. We listen to each other’s songs, regardless of who performed or composed them. Everything that constitutes our cultural and scientific heritage should be accessible to all of humanity.

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