Is Gain of Function a Reliable Tool for Establishing Sars-Cov-2 Origin?

The present opinion article, while dealing with the debated origin of “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2” (SARS-CoV-2), betacoronavirus responsible for “Corona Virus Disease-2019” (COVID-19), provides a speculative insight into so-called “gain function” (GOF), process resulting in acquirement new phenotypic features on behalf viral pathogen. More detail, GOF-related phenomenon leading to increased SARS-CoV-2 virulence and/or transmissibility—as clearly exemplified by “delta” and “omicron” as well other “variants concern”—would not necessarily imply that genetic manipulations made laboratory are its exclusive drivers, provided GOF may also occur consequence natural selection process. In order gain better understanding GOF-associated phenomena, an in-depth knowledge complex viral-host interaction dynamics is absolutely needed, paying special attention human-animal-viral ecological interfaces within “ad hoc” multidisciplinary, “holistic”, scientific evidence-based “One Health”-based approach.