Our Microscopic Allies
When you hear the word "virus," you probably think of staying home from work with a box of tissues. However, sometimes viruses do more good than harm, and throughout human history, a few have been very beneficial. With that in mind, here are 20 "good" viruses.
National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
1. Bacteriophages
Specializing in hunting down bacteria to devour and destroy, phages are among the most beneficial viruses known to humanity. Doctors are now utilizing these friendly viruses to combat antibiotic-resistant infections plaguing hospitals everywhere. These microscopic scavengers only destroy bacteria, leaving your normal cells perfectly intact.
2. Endogenous Retroviruses
Did you know that approximately eight percent of your DNA comes from viruses? Ancient retroviruses inserted themselves into human ancestors' genomes millions of years ago and are responsible for a key element in human reproduction. Without certain retroviruses in our DNA, the placenta would not exist, and we would not be here today.
3. Adeno-Associated Virus
A small virus that appears to cause no disease in humans, scientists are studying how to use it as a method of gene therapy to treat certain disorders. Envision an innocent virus delivering healthy genes into a person's cells to help repair fatal mutations.
4. Vesicular Stomatitis Virus
Viruses like this one are being used to research treatments that target specific cancer cells. Left to their own devices, these viruses attack many types of tumors while completely avoiding the healthy cells around them, preventing many of the damaging side effects associated with cancer treatment.
5. GB Virus C
Related to the virus that causes hepatitis C, GB Virus C is not known to cause disease in humans and may even help prevent you from getting sick. Co-infection with HIV and GB Virus C has been linked to slower progression of symptoms and increased survivability in patients. It's believed that the virus interrupts how dangerous pathogens reproduce in your body.
6. Herpesvirus as a Shield
Resting dormant in mice, latent herpes infections have been shown to greatly improve the immune system's response to certain kinds of harmful bacteria. Perhaps having a small amount of virus in your body at all times allows it to recognize invaders early and prepare for war, like a constant workout for your immune system.
7. Norovirus and Gut Health
While the "stomach flu" version is no fun at all, certain strains of norovirus in mice have been shown to help maintain a healthy intestinal lining. These viruses can actually replace the beneficial effects of "good" bacteria when the natural microbiome has been damaged by antibiotics. It's a fascinating look at how a virus can step in to perform essential chores for your digestive system.
8. Cowpox
The first virus ever used to create a vaccine, cowpox, led to the discovery of vaccination and the eventual eradication of smallpox. Because cowpox is a much milder relative, it allowed the human immune system to learn how to fight the dangerous version without putting the person in danger. You've got to give credit to this simple virus for saving hundreds of millions of lives over the last few centuries.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Unsplash
9. Pegivirus
Identified in the human population only a few years ago, pegiviruses are prevalent in humans but appear to cause no known disease. Research is being conducted to confirm a possible role in dampening inflammatory reactions and preventing your body from overreacting to benign irritants.
10. Vaccinia Virus
The basis for most smallpox vaccines, vaccinia, is now being used as a foundation for cutting-edge medical treatments. Modified versions are being used as vaccines for Zika, and strains are being developed to combat certain forms of lung cancer. It has essentially become a versatile biological chassis.
11. Tulip Break Virus
In the world of botany, this virus is responsible for creating the stunning "flamed" or "broken" color patterns on tulip petals. While it's technically a plant pathogen, it created a massive economic boom in the 17th century and changed the history of gardening forever. You can still see its beautiful, streaky influence in many modern flower varieties today.
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12. Poliovirus in Cancer Therapy
It sounds terrifying to use polio for anything, but a modified, non-pathogenic version is being used to attack glioblastoma, a very aggressive brain cancer. The virus is engineered, so it can't survive in normal brain cells but thrives inside the tumor, triggering a massive immune response against the cancer. It's a brilliant way to turn a historical villain into a modern-day hero.
13. Heat-Tolerant Grass Viruses
Scientists have discovered that certain species of grass survive in extreme temperatures thanks to a three-way relationship with a fungus and a virus. Remove the virus, and the grass can no longer withstand the heat. Viruses give plants the boost they need to survive some pretty extreme conditions.
14. Anelloviruses
Almost every human on Earth carries these viruses, yet they don't seem to cause a single symptom or health problem. Because of this, doctors are now using the presence of anelloviruses to determine whether patients' organs are rejecting transplants. They essentially act like a natural thermometer for the immune system.
15. Commensal Skin Viruses
Having good "skin flora" is important, and it turns out a large part of that includes viruses living on your skin. These viruses help fight off environmental bacteria that could cause disease by literally competing for space. Turns out you're never truly alone.
16. Lentiviruses in Gene Editing
Derived from a family of viruses that includes HIV, these have been stripped of their dangerous parts to become elite tools for permanent gene correction. They are especially effective at integrating into the DNA of cells that don't divide, something that eluded scientists for years. It's a classic case of taking a specialized viral "skill" and putting it to work for a good cause.
17. Cyanophages
These viruses infect cyanobacteria, which are responsible for up to 50% of the world's oxygen production in our oceans. By infecting these bacteria, cyanophages help maintain the world's carbon balance and keep our air breathable. You can thank these aquatic viruses for part of the very air you breathe.
18. TTV (Torque Teno Virus)
Similar to how doctors are studying anelloviruses to gauge immune system health, TTV is being examined as a biological marker. It may help predict how patients will respond to certain medications. And because it generally lives in the body without causing issues, it doesn't interfere with medicinal reactions the way other marker organisms might.
19. Baculoviruses
A favorite of organic farmers, these viruses combat insects. Because there are many species of baculoviruses that only affect specific insects, it's possible to target pests while leaving bees alone. This makes them essential to advanced agriculture.
20. Reovirus
Most people have been exposed to this common respiratory virus, but it has shown a remarkable ability to eliminate many types of cancer cells while leaving normal cells alone. It's currently being tested to treat a wide variety of cancers, from head and neck tumors to breast cancer. It just goes to show that some of the most common things in our lives may have secret benefits.
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