C. Drosten

Antigenic cartography using variant-specific hamster sera reveals substantial antigenic variation among Omicron subvariants

The paper uses hamster sera from variant-specific infections to map antigenic differences among SARS-CoV-2 variants, revealing significant antigenic variation among Omicron subvariants.

Functional comparisons of the virus sensor RIG-I from humans, the microbat Myotis daubentonii, and the megabat Rousettus aegyptiacus, and their response to SARS-CoV-2 infection

This study functionally compares RIG-I from microbats, megabats, and humans, showing similar antiviral function and SARS-CoV-2 sensing ability in humans and megabats but not microbats.

Distinct phenotype of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 in human primary cells but no increased host range in cell lines of putative mammalian reservoir species

The paper compares the replicative capacity of SARS-CoV-2 variants in human primary cells and mammalian cell lines, finding Omicron BA.1 has a distinct phenotype in human nasal epithelia but no increased host range in other species.

Pharmacological inhibition of bromodomain and extra-terminal proteins induces NRF-2-mediated inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication and is subject to viral antagonism

This study shows JQ-1 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication via NRF-2 activation but is counteracted by viral antagonism, leading to transient antiviral effects.

A live attenuated vaccine confers superior mucosal and systemic immunity to SARS-CoV-2 variants

This study compares immune responses and efficacy of different SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in hamsters, finding that a live-attenuated vaccine provides superior protection against variants.

Non-productive exposure of PBMCs to SARS-CoV-2 induces cell-intrinsic innate immunity responses

The paper shows that non-productive exposure of PBMCs to SARS-CoV-2 triggers JAK/STAT-dependent innate immune responses in monocytes, similar to those seen in mild COVID-19.

Mapping SARS-CoV-2 antigenic relationships and serological responses

The paper uses antigenic cartography to analyze cross-reactivity among SARS-CoV-2 variants and human sera, identifying amino acid substitutions and immunodominance patterns affecting immune escape and vaccine efficacy.

Genomic determinants of Furin cleavage in diverse European SARS-related bat coronaviruses

The paper identifies molecular determinants of furin cleavage in European SARS-related bat coronaviruses, suggesting conserved mechanisms enabling this feature in the viral reservoir.

Post-entry, spike-dependent replication advantage of B.1.1.7 and B.1.617.2 over B.1 SARS-CoV-2 in an ACE2-deficient human lung cell line

The paper shows that B.1.1.7 and B.1.617.2 SARS-CoV-2 variants have a replication advantage over B.1 in ACE2-deficient lung cells, suggesting reliance on alternative cellular factors.

SARS-CoV-2 Beta variant infection elicits potent lineage-specific and cross-reactive antibodies

SARS-CoV-2 Beta variant infection generates lineage-specific antibodies and cross-reactive antibodies with neutralizing activity against wild-type and other variants.

Enhanced fitness of SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern B.1.1.7, but not B.1.351, in animal models

The paper compares the fitness of SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 in animal models, finding B.1.1.7 has a fitness advantage in ferrets and mice but not in hamsters.

High efficacy of therapeutic equine hyperimmune antibodies against SARS CoV-2 variants of concern

This study demonstrates that therapeutic equine polyclonal antibodies effectively neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

Evidence of MHC class I and II influencing viral and helminth infection via the microbiome in a non-human primate

The paper investigates how MHC class I and II variability influences gut microbiome composition and infection probabilities of viruses and helminths in non-human primates.

Longitudinal omics in Syrian hamsters integrated with human data unravel complexity of moderate immune responses to SARS-CoV-2

The paper integrates longitudinal omics data from Syrian hamsters with human data to understand immune responses to SARS-CoV-2, identifying key cellular and molecular mechanisms.

A SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody protects from lung pathology in a COVID-19 hamster model

This study identifies a potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody that protects hamsters from infection and lung damage.

At least seven distinct rotavirus genotype constellations in bats with evidence of reassortment and zoonotic transmissions

The paper identifies seven distinct rotavirus genotype constellations in bats, finds evidence of reassortment, and suggests potential zoonotic transmission to humans and equines.

Analysis of SARS-CoV-2-controlled autophagy reveals spermidine, MK-2206, and niclosamide as putative antiviral therapeutics

This study identifies spermidine, MK-2206, and niclosamide as potential antiviral therapeutics by enhancing autophagy against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro.

Comparative Pathogenesis Of COVID-19, MERS And SARS In A Non-Human Primate Model

This study compares the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV in non-human primates, showing SARS-CoV-2 causes a COVID-19-like disease with prolonged viral excretion without clinical signs.

Efficient inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by WHO-recommended hand rub formulations and alcohols

The paper tests the virucidal activity of WHO-recommended hand rubs and alcohols against SARS-CoV-2, showing efficient inactivation for all tested products.

Rapid reconstruction of SARS-CoV-2 using a synthetic genomics platform

This paper describes a yeast-based synthetic genomics platform for rapid reconstruction of RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, using synthetic DNA fragments and TAR cloning.

Accelerated viral dynamics in bat cell lines, with implications for zoonotic emergence

The paper models viral dynamics in bat cell lines with constitutive immune responses, finding that robust antiviral defenses correlate with higher viral propagation rates and suggest implications for zoonotic emergence.