The COVID-19 pandemic reminded the world how quickly a new infectious disease can spread, overwhelming health systems and affecting every aspect of daily life. To prepare for future threats, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a blueprint list of high-priority pathogens—diseases most likely to cause major outbreaks. These include Ebola, Marburg, Lassa fever, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Rift Valley fever, Nipah virus, Zika virus, and coronaviruses such as SARS, MERS, and SARS-CoV-2. The list also includes the concept of “Disease X”, a placeholder for an as-yet-unknown pathogen that could emerge suddenly.
These viruses are considered high priority because they spread quickly, can cause high fatality rates, and lack sufficient vaccines or treatments. By focusing global research on them, the WHO aims to accelerate the development of tools that can save lives during the next outbreak.
The Role of Animal Models
A critical step in this research is the development of animal models. These models help scientists understand how infections work in the body and provide a testing ground for vaccines and treatments before they reach human trials.
However, creating accurate models is challenging. Small laboratory animals such as mice, hamsters, and guinea pigs are not always naturally susceptible to these dangerous viruses. To bridge this gap, researchers are developing innovative approaches, including:
- Genetic engineering to make animals express human receptors.
- Virus adaptation techniques to increase infectivity in animal hosts.
- Humanized models that mimic aspects of human biology more closely.
These advances are essential for turning basic science into practical medical tools.
Progress in Vaccines and Treatments
Despite the challenges, significant progress has been made in recent years:
- Vaccines: Platforms such as inactivated vaccines, protein subunit vaccines, viral vectors, and nucleic acid vaccines are all being tested against high-priority pathogens. The rapid development of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 demonstrates how flexible these technologies can be.
- Therapeutics: New monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule drugs are being designed to better target viral proteins, improve safety, and remain stable under challenging conditions. Some are already in advanced stages of testing.
- Immune correlates of protection: Research is also focused on understanding how the immune system responds to these infections—information that helps determine whether a vaccine or drug is likely to provide long-term protection.
Harnessing Technology and Collaboration
Cutting-edge technologies are beginning to transform the field. Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to analyze complex biological data, guide vaccine design, and even suggest new drug candidates. Organoid models—miniaturized, lab-grown versions of human tissues—are emerging as a promising alternative to traditional animal models for some pathogens.
Global collaboration is equally important. Outbreaks don’t respect borders, and effective responses require coordinated surveillance, data sharing, and rapid deployment of medical countermeasures. Interdisciplinary efforts that bring together immunology, structural biology, computational modeling, and clinical medicine are paving the way for faster and more effective responses.
Why This Work Matters
Diseases like Ebola, Nipah, and “Disease X” may seem remote until they aren’t. The Ebola outbreak in West Africa from 2013 to 2016 killed more than 11,000 people. SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 showed how coronaviruses can jump from animals to humans and spread globally. Nipah virus, with a fatality rate of up to 75%, has already caused deadly outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia.
By investing in research today, the global health community is building the defenses needed for tomorrow. Developing better models, vaccines, and therapies is not only about science—it’s about ensuring that communities everywhere are protected when the next outbreak arrives.
The Bottom Line
The WHO’s high-priority pathogen list is more than a warning—it’s a roadmap for preparedness. By combining advanced technology, innovative research, and international collaboration, we can strengthen our ability to detect, prevent, and respond to infectious disease threats before they become global crises.
Educational content only. Not medical advice. Your healthcare team interprets imaging in the context of your overall health.