RAPID: Efficiency of proteolytic activation of respiratory viruses as a marker for pandemic potential (subproject P4-DPZ).

The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes severe respiratory infections. The pathogen was discovered in 2012 during a fatal viral pneumonia in Saudi Arabia. Specific treatment options do not yet exist. Up to 30 percent of those infected die. The infection is usually rare. It is usually acquired through contact with dromedaries, which are one of the main livestock in the Middle East and parts of Africa. However, human-to-human transmission does occur and leads to larger outbreaks. The virus is not yet well adapted to humans as hosts. However, there are fears of mutations that could lead to a higher risk of infection and subsequently a pandemic. MERS-CoV is therefore currently one of the most threatening, so-called "pre-pandemic" infectious pathogens. In order to combat pre-pandemic pathogens efficiently, it is essential that the public health service obtains solid assessments of outbreak progressions. The research consortium therefore aims to use the example of MERS-CoV to address constraints and research questions for the public health service. In particular, approaches are to be developed that enable science and public health to detect the outbreak of pre-pandemic viruses earlier and prevent their transformation into pandemic pathogens. In addition, a vaccine for host animals and humans is to be developed in collaboration with partners in Saudi Arabia. The network is part of the National Research Network on Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. In particular, the "One Health" approach (simultaneous consideration of human and veterinary aspects) and the transfer of results into the application of the public health service are being pursued.