Epidemiological, cellular, genetic and epigenetic aspects of biosafety

Currently, the problem of biological safety is extremely relevant for all countries of the world due to the expansion of the spectrum of real and potential threats caused by exposure to dangerous agents of biological nature. The pandemic of the new coronavirus infection has clearly demonstrated its vulnerability to the world. The inevitability of the occurrence of future epidemics necessitates the introduction of scientific developments in the field of creation and improvement of methods for amplification of nucleic acids, identification of pathogens using next-generation sequencing, genome editing technologies, etc. It seems advisable to study the reactions of the immune system to recombinant microorganisms containing genes for stimulators of the innate immune response in order to develop platforms for the creation of universal vaccines active against a wide range of pathogens. Based on the analysis of genomes and transcriptomes, it is possible to identify targets (including RNA targets destroyed by RNA interference) that are most promising for the treatment and prevention of new and recurring infectious diseases. The development of an integrated approach to the implementation of the genomic and epigenomic epidemiological surveillance system, taking into account the latest achievements of fundamental research in the field of virology, immunology, and biotechnology, will make a significant contribution to ensuring the biological safety of the Russian Federation.