A pioneering effort led by Weill Cornell Medicine is underway to document the human virome, an expansive collection of viruses residing within and around us. This initiative, part of a broader collaboration named Viromes Across Space and Time (VAST), supported by the National Institute on Aging under the National Institutes of Health, seeks to develop innovative techniques to explore an essential yet previously unattainable aspect of human biology. By establishing a foundational dataset, this project aims to enhance prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for various diseases. The endeavor focuses not only on disease-causing agents but also on understanding the nature of non-pathogenic viruses that coexist with humans.

In recent years, advancements in genetic sequencing and bioinformatics have enabled scientists to delve into the vast unknown realm of viruses that do not cause illness. Much prior research has concentrated on how alterations in the virome might contribute to disease onset. However, this new venture addresses a complementary question: defining what constitutes a healthy virome. According to Dr. Christopher Mason, WorldQuant Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine and a lead researcher on the project, the goal is to gain deeper insights into viral diversity and distribution globally, particularly among individuals leading ordinary lives.

Dr. Alexander Lucaci, a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Mason’s lab, emphasized that most existing knowledge about viruses stems from pathogenic species. Yet, there remains much to uncover regarding the numerous viruses that exist harmlessly within us. To achieve this, VAST will utilize a substantial library of samples already amassed by Dr. Mason's team and expand its scope by enrolling additional participants over the next five years and beyond. These participants span diverse age groups and geographical locations, providing a rich tapestry of life experiences.

At Weill Cornell Medicine, Dr. Mason’s group will concentrate on molecular and computational biology aspects, while Dr. Inmaculada de Melo-Martin will scrutinize the ethical dimensions of large-scale data collection. Meanwhile, Stanford Medicine will collaborate in executing the project. Collectively, these efforts aim to establish a more inclusive approach to virology, creating a baseline understanding of how the normal virome adapts based on individual backgrounds or health conditions.

Through this comprehensive study, researchers anticipate discovering new insights into how seemingly harmless viruses might transform into opportunistic pathogens under certain circumstances. Such findings could revolutionize our understanding of human-virus interactions and pave the way for improved healthcare interventions.