R. Kant

Equine dermatitis outbreak associated with parapoxvirus

This study investigates an equine dermatitis outbreak in Finland, identifies EqPPV as the causative agent, and highlights zoonotic transmission risks and risk factors.

Complete Protection from SARS-CoV-2 Lung Infection in Mice Through Combined Intranasal Delivery of PIKfyve Kinase and TMPRSS2 Protease Inhibitors

This study shows that combining PIKfyve and TMPRSS2 inhibitors intranasally protects mice from SARS-CoV-2 lung infection and reduces cell death.

Partial genome characterization of a novel potentially zoonotic parapoxvirus in a horse, Finland

The paper reports a sequencing protocol and 121 kb poxvirus sequence from a horse with dermatitis, identifying a novel parapoxvirus associated with a recent epidemic and suggesting zoonotic potential.

Inhibition of host N-myristoylation compromises the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 due to Golgi-bypassing egress from lysosomes and endoplasmic reticulum

This study shows that inhibiting host N-myristoylation reduces SARS-CoV-2 infectivity by impairing viral envelope protein maturation and causing Golgi-bypassing egress.

Wild red deer (Cervus elaphus) do not play a role as vectors or reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2 in north-eastern Poland.

The study tested 90 wild red deer in Poland for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and viral RNA but found no evidence of infection, suggesting they are not reservoirs or vectors of the virus in this region.

Nanobody engineering for SARS-CoV-2 neutralization and detection

This study engineers nanobodies to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants and develop a detection assay, showing high potency against some variants but limitations against others.

Serological surveillance for wild rodent infection with SARS-CoV-2 in Europe

The paper reports serological testing of 1,237 wild rodents and other small mammals across Europe for SARS-CoV-2 exposure, finding all samples negative except one.

Experimental infection of mink with SARS-COV-2 Omicron (BA.1) variant leads to symptomatic disease with lung pathology and transmission

This study infects mink with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and shows they remain virus positive, develop symptoms, and transmit the virus.

Intranasal inhibitor broadly blocks SARS-CoV-2 including recent highly immunoevasive Omicron subvariants

This paper describes a novel intranasal inhibitor, TriSb92, that effectively neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 and recent Omicron subvariants, offering protection against infection in mice.

Zoonotic spillover of SARS-CoV-2: mink-adapted virus in humans

The paper reports the spillover of mink-adapted SARS-CoV-2 from farmed mink to humans, identifying specific mutations in the S gene.

Detection and molecular characterisation of SARS-CoV-2 in farmed mink (Neovision vision) in Poland

The paper detects and characterizes SARS-CoV-2 infection in farmed minks in Poland using RT-PCR, antigen detection, and NGS, confirming 15 positive cases and highlighting the risk of mink farms as potential sources of the virus.