Genomic sequencing gives infectious disease researchers
the tools to examine the complete genetic "roadmap" of pathogens. Advances in
technology have increased the speed of sequencing to a point where researchers
can rapidly apply genomics to outbreaks in real-time. This will allow
scientists to explore multidisciplinary and innovative solutions to identify,
control and potentially prevent infectious disease outbreaks.
Outbreak
scenarios are only one area where genomics is proving to be a valuable tool in
the examination of infectious diseases. Such research can help scientists develop vaccines and identify genomic features
that are potential targets for drug therapies. The application of genomic
analysis also helps scientists understand how infectious diseases agents
evolve, disperse, and interact with their hosts. Such insights can be crucial
in developing effective methods for prevention and treatment.
Only
through these genomic technologies are scientists able to begin to answer some
of questions regarding the interaction of the infectious disease agent and the
host, such as:
- - Which host genes are involved in susceptibility and responses to infection?
- - How can genomics and bioinformatics help researchers design better vaccines faster?
- - Are there weaknesses in the infectious agent that can be exploited in drug therapy?
- - What lessons can we learn from studying the evolution of pathogens?
IGS offers unique contributions to the use of genomics
in studying infectious disease. In addition to their genomics expertise, many
of the institute's researchers have backgrounds in microbiology, infectious
disease, and/or epidemiology, and are primary faculty in those departments at
the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Furthermore, the Institute is strategically positioned within a hub with internationally
renowned infectious disease research centers at the medical school - the Center for Vaccine
Development, and the Institute for Human Virology. This close proximity is
fueling large-scale collaborative research to address the challenges posed by
global infectious disease.
