R. F. Johnson

The inflammatory microenvironment of the lung at the time of infection governs innate control of SARS-CoV-2 replication

This study shows that pre-existing lung inflammation reduces SARS-CoV-2 replication by activating innate immune pathways, highlighting the role of the inflammatory microenvironment in controlling viral infection.

Pre-existing interferon gamma conditions the lung to mediate early control of SARS-CoV-2

This study shows that pre-existing IFN-gamma responses from bacterial infection reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral loads in the lungs and protect against disease in mice.

Omicron Spike confers enhanced infectivity and interferon resistance to SARS-CoV-2 in human nasal tissue

This study shows Omicron SARS-CoV-2 has higher infectivity and interferon resistance in human nasal tissue compared to Delta, due to changes in Spike protein entry mechanisms.

Helminth exposure protects against murine SARS-CoV-2 infection through macrophage dependent T cell activation

This study shows that prior helminth infection reduces SARS-CoV-2 viral loads in mice by enhancing CD8+ T cell responses through macrophage-dependent mechanisms.

IL-10 suppresses T cell expansion while promoting tissue-resident memory cell formation during SARS-CoV-2 infection in rhesus macaques

This study examines the roles of IFNγ and IL-10 in SARS-CoV-2 infection of rhesus macaques, finding IL-10 suppresses T cell expansion but promotes tissue-resident memory cell formation.

Evaluation of endogenous and therapeutic 25-hydroxycholesterols in murine models of pulmonary SARS-CoV-2 infection

This study evaluates the antiviral and inflammatory effects of 25-hydroxycholesterol and its metabolite in murine SARS-CoV-2 models, finding no significant antiviral activity and potential pro-injury effects.

Intranasal pediatric parainfluenza virus-vectored SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate is protective in macaques

This study evaluates an intranasal parainfluenza virus-vectored SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in macaques, showing it induces mucosal and systemic immunity and protects against viral challenge.

Characteristic and quantifiable COVID-19-like abnormalities in CT- and PET/CT-imaged lungs of SARS-CoV-2-infected crab-eating macaques (Macaca fascicularis)

This study uses CT and PET/CT imaging to quantify SARS-CoV-2-induced lung abnormalities in crab-eating macaques, providing an objective endpoint for evaluating medical countermeasures.

Clinical Characterization of Host Response to Simian Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Infection in Permissive and Refractory Hosts: A Model for Determining Mechanisms of VHF Pathogenesis

This paper compares host responses to SHFV infection in patas and rhesus monkeys, identifying overlapping and species-specific cytokine and immune cell changes that may drive hemorrhagic fever pathogenesis.

Subclinical infection of macaques and baboons with a baboon simartevirus

This study infects olive baboons and rhesus macaques with SWBV-1, a simartevirus, and finds no disease in either species despite high viral replication and immune responses.