R. Rathnasinghe

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 ORF6 and its variant polymorphisms on host responses and viral pathogenesis.

This study shows SARS-CoV-2 ORF6 disrupts nucleo-cytoplasmic trafficking, inhibits IFN signaling, and modulates viral protein expression, with variant polymorphisms affecting its function.

Rescue of alveolar wall liquid secretion blocks fatal lung injury by influenza-staphylococcal coinfection

This study shows that influenza virus inhibits alveolar wall liquid secretion, promoting fatal lung injury from staphylococcal infection, and that restoring this secretion protects against lung damage.

The oral drug nitazoxanide restricts SARS-CoV-2 infection and attenuates disease pathogenesis in Syrian hamsters

The paper shows that nitazoxanide inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication and pathogenesis in human and hamster models, and synergizes with remdesivir against multiple variants.

Discovery of a SARS-CoV-2 Broadly-Acting Neutralizing Antibody with Activity against Omicron and Omicron + R346K Variants

This paper identifies a broadly neutralizing antibody, STI-9167, effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants including Omicron and Omicron + R346K, and describes its development for clinical trials.

SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern have acquired mutations associated with an increased spike cleavage

This study shows SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern have mutations that increase spike cleavage and fusogenic capacity, enhancing viral transmission and cell entry.

A Newcastle disease virus-vector expressing a prefusion-stabilized spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 induces protective immune responses against prototype virus and variants of concern in mice and hamsters

This study develops a Newcastle disease virus-based vaccine expressing a prefusion-stabilized SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, showing strong immune responses and cross-neutralization against variants in mice and hamsters.

Identification of novel human derived influenza viruses in pigs with zoonotic potential.

The paper identifies novel human-derived influenza viruses in Chilean pigs, showing zoonotic potential and antigenic drift.

Prophylactic protection against respiratory viruses conferred by a prototype live attenuated influenza virus vaccine.

This study shows that a live attenuated influenza virus vaccine lacking NS1 provides broad protection against respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2 by inducing both innate and adaptive immune responses.

A Combination Adjuvant for the Induction of Potent Antiviral Immune Responses for a Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Protein Vaccine

This study develops a combination adjuvant that enhances antiviral immune responses to a SARS-CoV-2 protein vaccine, showing improved TH1 responses and neutralizing antibodies against variants in mice.

Topoisomerase 1 inhibition therapy protects against SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammation and death in animal models.

This study shows that Top1 inhibition with Topotecan reduces SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammation and mortality in animal models.

Sterilizing Immunity against SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Mice by a Single-Shot and Modified Imidazoquinoline TLR7/8 Agonist-Adjuvanted Recombinant Spike Protein Vaccine

This paper demonstrates that a novel TLR7/8 agonist adjuvant enables single-shot protection against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza in mice using recombinant spike protein and inactivated vaccines.

Introduction of two prolines and removal of the polybasic cleavage site leads to optimal efficacy of a recombinant spike based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in the mouse model

This study shows that deleting the polybasic cleavage site and introducing proline mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein enhances vaccine efficacy in a mouse model.

Comparison of Transgenic and Adenovirus hACE2 Mouse Models for SARS-CoV-2 Infection

This study compares two SARS-CoV-2 infection models in mice: K18-hACE2 transgenic and adenovirus-mediated hACE2 delivery, showing differences in viral replication and disease outcomes.

Microbiome disturbance and resilience dynamics of the upper respiratory tract in response to influenza A virus infection in analog hosts

The paper examines how influenza A virus infection affects the upper respiratory tract microbiome in humans and ferrets, finding that infected individuals experience microbiome disturbances that recover over time.