Report from the BV-BRC, CDC, NCBI, and NIAID Viral Sub-Species Classification Workshop

The Viral Sub-Species Classification Workshop, held from 8 to 10 April 2024 at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), addressed scientific and technological challenges in the classification of viruses below the level of species. Co-organized by the Bacterial and Viral Bioinformatics Resource Center (BV-BRC), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), and NIAID, it convened experts in virology, bioinformatics, and public health to discuss topics including tracking the real-time evolution of virus lineages; developing useful and non-stigmatizing nomenclature; supporting global coordination for the development of diagnostics, vaccines, treatments, and public health strategies; and ensuring accurate and timely updates of information. The workshop emphasized the role of a formal viral taxonomy and characterization below the species level, such as clades, genotypes, and lineages. Discussions included systems such as the variants of concern short nomenclature and Pango lineages for respiratory viruses, alongside similar systems for other viral pathogens. Presentations highlighted real-time genomic tracking for timely vaccine updates and addressed challenges in nomenclature systems. Technological advancements and community collaboration were deemed vital. Discussions included high-level descriptions of systems that could be used to track and classify evolving viral lineages; name them using dynamic nomenclature systems; and integrate pathogenic, antigenic, and other phenotypic data with genetic information.