B. J. Ferguson

Mechanisms of type I interferon production by chicken TLR21

This study investigates how chicken TLR21 triggers type I interferon production in macrophages, revealing conserved signaling pathways with mammalian TLR9.

Contrasting functions of ATP hydrolysis by MDA5 and LGP2 in viral RNA sensing

This study investigates how ATP hydrolysis by MDA5 and LGP2 influences viral RNA sensing, showing MDA5's selectivity and LGP2's role in modulating MDA5 filament assembly.

Transcriptional reprogramming of natural killer cells by vaccinia virus shows both distinct and conserved features with mCMV

This study examines how vaccinia virus reprograms NK cell transcription and compares it to MCMV, finding both conserved and distinct features across species.

DNA-PKcs is required for cGAS/STING-dependent viral DNA sensing in human cells

This study shows DNA-PK is essential for STING-dependent IFN-I responses to exogenous DNA and DNA virus infection in human cells.

LUBAC is required for RIG-I sensing of RNA viruses

This study shows that LUBAC components HOIP and HOIL-1 are required for RIG-I sensing of RNA viruses, while SHARPIN is not, highlighting LUBAC's role in antiviral immunity.

Selective modulation of cell surface proteins during vaccinia infection: implications for immune evasion strategies

This study quantifies PM protein modulation during vaccinia infection, identifying downregulated immune ligands and upregulated decoy receptors, revealing immune evasion strategies.

Smallpox vaccination induces a substantial increase in commensal skin bacteria that promote pathology and enhance immunity

This paper shows that smallpox vaccination with VACV increases skin commensal bacteria, which promote tissue damage but also enhance immunity and antibody responses.

PKR-mediated Stress Response Enhances Dengue and Zika Virus Replication

This study shows that PKR-mediated stress response enhances Dengue and Zika virus replication by co-opting the integrated stress response to promote viral mRNA translation.

Chicken cGAS senses fowlpox virus infection and regulates macrophage effector function

This study shows that chicken cGAS detects fowlpox virus DNA, triggering type-I interferon production and regulating macrophage effector functions like MHC-II expression.

Shoot-derived miR2111 controls legume root and nodule development

This study identifies miR2111 as a shoot-derived signal that regulates legume root nodule development and root system architecture by targeting TML.

Characterisation of Medicago truncatula CLE34 and CLE35 in nodulation control

This study identifies and characterizes novel CLE peptides in Medicago truncatula that regulate nodulation, showing differential responses to rhizobia and nitrate.

Vaccinia virus infection inhibits skin dendritic cell migration to draining lymph node

This study shows that Vaccinia virus inhibits skin dendritic cell migration to draining lymph nodes, unlike BCG, and identifies viral interference as the cause.

Enhanced efficacy of vaccination with vaccinia virus in old versus young mice

This study shows that vaccinia virus vaccination induces comparable immune responses and protection in old and young mice, suggesting its potential for improving vaccine efficacy in the elderly.

ISG15 induces IL-10 production in human monocytes and is a biomarker of disease severity during active tuberculosis

The paper shows ISG15 induces IL-10 in human monocytes and correlates with TB disease severity.