VIROLOGY
quality of the research it enables. NCPV strains have been used in: n developing and validating diagnostic tests
n evaluating therapeutics and antivirals n supporting epidemiological surveillance
n characterising emerging viruses n advancing basic virology through comparative lineage and pathogenesis studies.
The collection supports long-term scientific continuity by preserving historical strains alongside recent clinical isolates. As viruses can re- emerge decades later, NCPV’s catalogue ensures future generations of scientists have access to a wide range of viruses. NCPV is committed to supporting the global scientific community in advancing virology research and protecting public health. Many of the viruses highlighted in the recently published UKHSA Priority Pathogen research and development tool are already in the NCPV catalogue. The tool describes the important pathogen families where investment into diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines research is most needed in the interests of biosecurity. NCPV also offers a suite of support services including catalogue depositing. Many scientists and researchers want to ensure that strains used in their research projects are preserved and made available to the wider scientific community. The depositing process at NCPV is free and relatively simple. Custom release schedules allow researchers to deposit material with embargoes until publication, ensuring intellectual property protection. Depositors also benefit from independent authentication, sterility and Mycoplasma testing, and increased visibility via the online catalogue, which makes materials accessible to a worldwide network of scientists. NCPV is a non-profit organisation and any money made through selling viruses goes back into UKHSA to support further UK scientific research.
NCPV scientists and article authors (left to right): Tilly Maybery, Dr Jane Burton, Teresa Ramalho.
Looking ahead Now in its third decade, NCPV is poised for continued growth as part of UKHSA, with an ambition to expand its strain diversity and enhance access for researchers globally. There are active efforts to acquire underrepresented pathogens and expand the range of X-ray irradiated viruses. As emerging infectious diseases continue to pose global challenges, the role of trusted biological collections, such as NCPV, becomes even more essential.
NCPV is one of four Culture Collections maintained by UKHSA, alongside ECACC (European Collection of Authenticated Cell Cultures), NCTC (National Collection of Type Cultures) and NCPF (National Collection of Pathogenic Fungi). Together, they represent a vital national resource, ensuring that authenticated biological materials remain available to support cutting-edge science, inform public policy, and protect public health.
Useful Links n New viral strains:
www.culturecollections.
org.uk/products/viruses/new-viral-strains/
n Priority pathogen families research and development tool (
GOV.UK):
www.gov.uk/
government/publications/priority-pathogen- families-research-and-development-tool
References 1 Afrough B, Eakins J, Durley-White S, et al.
X-ray inactivation of RNA viruses without loss of biological characteristics. Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):21431. doi:10.1038/s41598- 020-77972-5
2 Department for Transport. Transport of Infectious Substances UN2814, UN2900 and UN3373. (
Gov.uk, 2010)
https://assets.publishing.service.gov. uk/media/5f60c1c58fa8f51063ce4e83/ dangerous-goods-guidance-note-17- document.pdf
3 Edwards CJ, Welch SR, Chamberlain J, et al. Molecular diagnosis and analysis of chikungunya virus. J Clin Virol. 2007;39(4):271-275. doi:10.1016/j. jcv.2007.05.008
4 Tuekprakhon A, Puiprom O, Sasaki T, et al. Broad-spectrum monoclonal antibodies against chikungunya virus structural proteins: Promising candidates for antibody-based rapid diagnostic test development. PLoS One. 2018;13(12):e0208851. doi:10.1371/ journal.pone.0208851
Authors
Dr Jane Burton, NCPV Lead Scientist Teresa Ramalho, NCPV Virologist Tilly Maybery, NCPV Scientist
The preservation both of current and historic strains ensures that researchers constantly have access to the biological tools needed to study the evolution, diversity and pathogenicity of viruses over time
36
www.culturecollections.org.uk/NCPV
Join NCPV on 16 October, 1-2pm BST (British Summer Time), for a lunchtime webinar celebrating NCPV’s history and impact over the last 25 years. Register online:
https://forms.office.com/e/ MpNuW0J0nW
OCTOBER 2025
WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56
