MINUTES OF MEETING - March 6-7 
14 
She asked whether parts two [III-C-l-e-(l)-(b) ] and three [Ill-C-l-e-(l)- 
( c ) ] of the proposal would permit the formation of reccmbinants between 
viruses of the same Family. Dr. Baltimore replied that it would, but the 
proposal requires containment levels taken frcm the current Guideline 
levels, i.e., P2 containment for viruses that do not propagate in humans 
and P3 containment for viruses that do. Dr. Goldstein asked how viruses 
that "are not able to grew in human cells" are defined. Dr. Baltimore 
replied that this would be tested by growth in human tissue culture cell 
lines. Dr. Goldstein asked whether antibodies production in people might 
constitute a more sensitive testing method, as human viruses which are very 
difficult or impossible to grew in tissue culture do exist. Dr. Baltimore 
said that viruses that do not grew in tissue culture would not be used as 
helper virus. 
Ms. King asked whether some mechanism exists through which additional 
comments on these proposals can be solicited frcm other virologists. She 
said she would like to see additional justification before evaluating this 
proposal. Dr. Krimsky agreed. 
Dr. Parkinson proposed to defer discussion of the proposal until more infor- 
mation is provided regarding the possible hazards. 
Dr. Williams moved that the Canmittee defer consideration of part two and 
three of the proposal [proposed Sections III-C-l-e-(l)-(b) and III-C-1-e- 
(l)-(c)] until the June meeting and request that a summary be prepared 
of the data supporting these two Sections. The motion was approved by a 
vote of thirteen in favor, five opposed, and one abstention. 
XI. PROPOSAL TO ELIMINATE SECTION I-D-3 
Dr. Brill said that Dr. Clarence Kado of the University of California, 
Davis (tab 827, 843/4) requested that the RAC delete Section I-D-3 frcm 
the Guidelines. Section I-D-3 prohibits the deliberate creation of 
plant pathogens with increased virulence and host range beyond that 
which occurs by natural genetic exchange. Dr. Brill said that defining 
virulence and host range is very difficult. He said that virulence can 
be increased by non-recombinant techniques in the laboratory, but that 
it is far more difficult to increase the virulence of an organism which 
can then compete in nature. He pointed out that the use of reoembinant 
technology in plant pathology would facilitate important studies of the 
basis of pathogenesis. Dr. Zaitlin concurred. 
Dr. Krimsky asked whether new information had been advanced to cause plant 
pathologists to reexamine their ideas on this prohibition. Dr. Zaitlin 
responded that a workshop had been held in 1978, and the concensus of the 
participants was that no plant pathogen would be created by recombinant ENA 
techniques which would be more dangerous than the wild type organisms 
[ 49 ] 
