Evolution of Virology: Science History through Milestones and Technological Advancements
Kunlan Zuo,
Wanying Gao,
Zongzhen Wu,
Lei Zhang,
Jiafeng Wang,
Xuefan Yuan,
Chun Li,
Qiangyu Xiang,
Lu Lu,
Huan Liu
Affiliations
Kunlan Zuo
Department of History of Science and Scientific Archaeology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
Wanying Gao
Department of History of Science and Scientific Archaeology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
Zongzhen Wu
Department of History of Science and Scientific Archaeology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
Lei Zhang
Department of History of Science and Scientific Archaeology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
Jiafeng Wang
Department of History of Science and Scientific Archaeology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
Xuefan Yuan
Department of History of Science and Scientific Archaeology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
Chun Li
Department of History of Science and Scientific Archaeology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
Qiangyu Xiang
Department of History of Science and Scientific Archaeology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
Lu Lu
Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
Huan Liu
Department of History of Science and Scientific Archaeology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
The history of virology, which is marked by transformative breakthroughs, spans microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. From the development of Jenner’s smallpox vaccine in 1796 to 20th-century innovations such as ultrafiltration and electron microscopy, the field of virology has undergone significant development. In 1898, Beijerinck laid the conceptual foundation for virology, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of the discipline. Advancements in influenza A virus research in 1933 by Richard Shope furthered our understanding of respiratory pathogens. Additionally, in 1935, Stanley’s determination of viruses as solid particles provided substantial progress in the field of virology. Key milestones include elucidation of reverse transcriptase by Baltimore and Temin in 1970, late 20th-century revelations linking viruses and cancer, and the discovery of HIV by Sinoussi, Montagnier, and Gallo in 1983, which has since shaped AIDS research. In the 21st century, breakthroughs such as gene technology, mRNA vaccines, and phage display tools were achieved in virology, demonstrating its potential for integration with molecular biology. The achievements of COVID-19 vaccines highlight the adaptability of virology to global health.
