L. Delang

Lack of abundant core virome in Culex mosquitoes from a temperate climate region despite a mosquito species-specific virome

The study profiles the virome of Culex and Aedes mosquitoes in Belgium, finding no abundant core virome and identifying 45 viruses, 28 novel, with species-specific patterns and Wolbachia prevalence.

Belgian Culex pipiens pipiens are competent vectors for West Nile virus but not Usutu virus

The study assesses vector competence of Belgian Culex mosquitoes for West Nile and Usutu viruses, finding Culex pipiens pipiens transmits WNV but not USUV, while Culex modestus transmits USUV but not WNV, with Wolbachia presence species-specific.

Identification of a Culturable Fungal Species and Endosymbiotic Bacteria in Saliva of Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens and Their Impact on Arbovirus Infection in Vitro

This study identifies culturable fungi and bacteria in mosquito saliva and shows their impact on arbovirus infection in vitro.

Biodistribution and Environmental Safety of a Live-attenuated YF17D-vectored SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Candidate

This study evaluates the safety and biodistribution of a YF17D-vectored SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate in hamsters, showing improved safety compared to parental YF17D.

Perturbation of alphavirus and flavivirus infectivity by components of the bacterial cell wall

This study shows that bacterial cell wall components reduce alphavirus and flavivirus infectivity by directly interacting with viral particles in vitro.

Comparative infectivity and pathogenesis of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants in Syrian hamsters

This study compares the infectivity and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 to early 2020 strains in Syrian hamsters, finding similar disease outcomes but stronger proinflammatory cytokine elevation in B.1.1.7 infections.

Nelfinavir markedly improves lung pathology in SARS-CoV-2-infected Syrian hamsters despite lack of an antiviral effect

Nelfinavir reduces SARS-CoV-2-induced lung pathology in Syrian hamsters without affecting viral RNA or infectious titers.

Establishment of Culex modestus in Belgium and a glance into the virome of Belgian mosquito species

The paper confirms the establishment of Culex modestus in Belgium and identifies its virome, highlighting the risk of arbovirus transmission.

High transmissibility and fetal pathogenicity of recent Zika virus strains from the African lineage

This study compares transmissibility and pathogenicity of recent African and Asian Zika virus strains, finding African strains more transmissible, lethal, and capable of causing fetal death.

Comparative analysis of the molecular mechanism of resistance to vapendavir across a panel of picornavirus species

The paper identifies mutations in picornaviruses that confer resistance to vapendavir, including both pocket and non-pocket mutations, and shows some mutations require drug presence for viral replication.

Antiviral treatment of SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters reveals a weak effect of favipiravir and a complete lack of effect for hydroxychloroquine

This study evaluates the antiviral effects of favipiravir and hydroxychloroquine in SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters, finding limited efficacy for both drugs.

STAT2 signaling as double-edged sword restricting viral dissemination but driving severe pneumonia in SARS-CoV-2 infected hamsters

This study shows that STAT2 signaling both restricts SARS-CoV-2 spread and causes severe pneumonia in infected hamsters.

Assessing the in vitro resistance development in Enterovirus 71 in the context of combination antiviral treatment

This study evaluates how combining antivirals with different mechanisms delays resistance development in EV-A71 to pirodavir.

Pan-viral protection against arboviruses by targeting inoculation site-based skin macrophages

The paper shows that activating innate immune responses at the mosquito bite site, specifically targeting skin-resident macrophages, can inhibit systemic arbovirus dissemination and improve clinical outcomes.