The 2024 Pandemic Research Alliance International Symposium was successfully held from October 29-30 at the Guangzhou International Bio-Island. Organized by the Guangzhou National Laboratory, this marks the first in-person gathering of the PRA in Guangzhou since its founding in 2023. The event brought together the six esteemed founders of the PRA—Prof. Nanshan Zhong, Prof. Kwok-Yung Yuen, Prof. David Ho, Prof. Linfa Wang, Prof. Sharon Lewin, and Prof. Linqi Zhang—and attracted over 200 participants coming together to share cutting-edge research and forge new collaborations aimed at combating future pandemics.
The Symposium commenced with remarks from Prof. Zhong Nanshan, Director of Guangzhou National Laboratory, followed by a scientific programme that includes one keynote session and three themed sessions.
The list of keynote titles and respective presenters included:
1. "Building Up New Tools in Preparation for the Next Pandemic" - Presented by Prof. Tao Xu
2. "Modulation of Virus Induced Host Damage" - Presented by Prof. Kwok-Yung Yuen
3. "SARS-CoV-2 Evolution and Antibody Responses" - Presented by Prof. David Ho
4. "Lessons From Bats: Focusing on Anti-diseases Rather Than Anti-virus" - Presented by Prof. Linfa Wang
5. "The Future of Antiviral Therapies Using mRNA–Novel Approaches to Treat COVID-19 and HIV Infection" - Presented by Prof. Sharon Lewin
6. "Human Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-1/SARS-CoV-2" - Presented by Prof. Linqi Zhang
The three themed sessions provided in-depth insights into the latest research on pandemic preparedness, viral pathogenesis, and the development of innovative drugs and vaccines:
Session One is titled ‘Early-warning of Future Infectious Diseases’, with speakers highlighting the importance of both biological and social vaccines (public outreach), along with advancements in viral diagnostics, AI-driven research, organoid models, and the integration of climate data to enhance responses to future outbreaks.
Session Two, ‘Viral Pathogenesis and Host Immunity’, explored factors that affect the transmission and progression of avian influenza, as well as the immune mechanisms that combat respiratory viral diseases. Discussions also highlighted the development of long-lasting mucosal T cells after SARS-CoV-2 infection, the structural characteristics of spike proteins in SARS-like coronaviruses, and new methods for identifying host factors to improve vaccines and treatment.
Session Three, ‘Development of Drugs and Vaccines’, presented innovative approaches to combat infectious diseases. Key topics included nasal vaccines for better mucosal immunity against SARS-CoV-2, CRISPR-based methods for creating broad-spectrum vaccines, and the development of interferon vaccines for cross-virus protection. The session also discussed big data studies on COVID-19 treatments and advancements in China’s mRNA vaccine research.
This year’s annual gathering underscored the urgent need for global pandemic preparedness, particularly with regard to the unique challenges posed by respiratory diseases, which are known for their rapid transmission and significant strain on healthcare systems. As Prof. Zhong Nanshan emphasized in his remarks, the preparation for future Disease X necessitates a rigorous, multifaceted approach. Effective measures include identifying high-risk pathogens, conducting vigilant surveillance at zoonotic transmission interfaces, advancing diagnostic capabilities for rapid detection, and refining our understanding of pathogen-host interactions. Equally indispensable is the expedited development of vaccines and therapeutic interventions. The PRA’s approach, he noted, is grounded in a philosophy of cross-border collaboration and cross-field innovation, both vital for mitigating the impact of emerging infectious diseases.
In today’s challenging public health landscape, the symposium also provided a platform for discussing ongoing research and laid the groundwork for future partnerships. As the PRA moves forward, it remains focused on advancing collaborative efforts in pandemic research, ensuring that global health systems are better equipped to face future infectious disease threats.
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