M. Brustolin

Novel Spike-stabilized trimers with improved production protect K18-hACE2 mice and golden Syrian hamsters from the highly pathogenic SARS-CoV-2 Beta variant.

This paper identifies mutations that improve the production and efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 Spike proteins, protecting animal models from the Beta variant.

Sindbis virus is suppressed in the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti by ATG-6/Beclin-1 mediated activation of autophagy

This study shows that activating autophagy in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes reduces Sindbis virus production using a recombinant virus expressing an autophagy activator.

Anopheles albimanus is a potential alphavirus vector in the Americas

This study shows Anopheles albimanus can efficiently transmit certain alphaviruses but not flaviviruses, highlighting its potential as a vector for emerging pathogens.

In vitro and in vivo co-infection and super-infection dynamics of Mayaro and Zika viruses in mosquito and vertebrate backgrounds

This study examines co-infection and super-infection dynamics of Mayaro and Zika viruses in mosquito and vertebrate cells, finding negative impacts on Zika replication and transmission.

Protection against reinfection with D614- or G614-SARS-CoV-2 isolates in hamsters

This study shows that hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2 are not fully protected against reinfection with both original and variant isolates, but experience reduced lung disease severity upon re-exposure.

Everything you wanted to know about Mayaro virus but were afraid to ask: Characterization and lifecycle of Mayaro virus in vertebrate and invertebrate cellular backgrounds

This study characterizes the replication, entry mechanisms, and pathogenesis of Mayaro virus in vertebrate and invertebrate cells, identifying pH-dependent endocytosis and macropinocytosis as entry routes and cytopathic effects associated with apoptosis.

Mayaro Virus Infection Elicits an Innate Immune Response in Anopheles stephensi

This study examines the transcriptomic and small RNA responses of Anopheles stephensi to Mayaro virus infection, identifying regulated genes, novel miRNAs, and an siRNA response targeting the virus.