J. A. Hiscox

The effect of molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir on SARS-CoV-2 genome diversity in severe models of COVID-19.

This study examines how molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir affect SARS-CoV-2 genome diversity in immunocompromised mice, finding reduced viral load and specific mutations but no major consensus sequence changes.

Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 lacking initiating and internal methionine codons within ORF10 is attenuated in vivo

This study shows that a recombinant SARS-CoV-2 virus lacking ORF10 start and internal methionine codons is attenuated in hamsters, with reduced lower respiratory tract viral titre and increased reversion to wild-type.

SARS-CoV-2 NSP12 associates with the TRiC complex and the P323L substitution is a host adaption.

The paper identifies NSP12's interaction with the TRiC complex and shows the P323L substitution enhances viral adaptation by reducing sensitivity to PP2A perturbations.

SARS-CoV-2 minor variant genomes at the start of the pandemic contained markers of VoCs

The paper identifies minor variant genomes of SARS-CoV-2 early in the pandemic that contain substitutions later found in variants of concern.

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron-B.1.1.529 Variant leads to less severe disease than Pango B and Delta variants strains in a mouse model of severe COVID-19

This study compares the severity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron-B.1.1.529, Pango B, and Delta variants in a mouse model, finding Omicron causes less severe disease with lower viral load and inflammation.

Rapid selection of P323L in the SARS-CoV-2 polymerase (NSP12) in humans and non-human primate models and confers a large plaque phenotype

The paper tracks the rapid emergence of the P323L mutation in SARS-CoV-2 polymerase in human and non-human primate models, showing it confers a larger plaque phenotype compared to P323.

Direct RNA sequencing of Respiratory Syncytial Virus infected human cells generates a detailed overview of RSV polycistronic mRNA and transcript abundance

This study uses direct RNA sequencing to analyze RSV mRNA transcripts in infected cells, revealing gene abundance patterns and polyadenylate tail lengths.

Antiviral activity of molnupiravir precursor NHC against SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern (VOCs) and implications for the therapeutic window and resistance

This study evaluates the antiviral activity of molnupiravir's active metabolite NHC against SARS-CoV-2 variants, finds no resistance after 20 passages, and suggests earlier administration for better efficacy.

Mutations that adapt SARS-CoV-2 to mustelid hosts do not increase fitness in the human airway.

The paper identifies spike mutations that adapt SARS-CoV-2 to mustelid hosts and assesses their impact on human infectivity and antigenicity.

Using Oxford Nanopore Technology direct RNA sequencing to identify depurination events induced by ricin and other ribosome inactivating proteins

Single-dose immunisation with a multimerised SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) induces an enhanced and protective response in mice

This paper demonstrates that a multimerised SARS-CoV-2 RBD vaccine using a stable scaffold provides enhanced antibody responses and complete protection in mice.

Neuroinvasion and neurotropism by SARS-CoV-2 variants in the K18-hACE2 mouse

This study investigates SARS-CoV-2 variant neuroinvasion in K18-hACE2 mice, finding CNS spread in all variants except Omicron, with microglial activation and immune cell apoptosis observed.

Sequence analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal samples from patients with COVID-19 illustrates population variation and diverse phenotypes, placing the in vitro growth properties of B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 lineage viruses in context.

The paper analyzes SARS-CoV-2 sequence variation in patient samples and compares the in vitro growth of B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variants to other isolates, finding no significant difference in growth for B.1.1.7.

Naturally-acquired immunity in Syrian Golden Hamsters provides protection from re-exposure to emerging heterosubtypic SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7 and B.1.351

This study shows that prior SARS-CoV-2 infection in Syrian Golden Hamsters protects against re-exposure to variants B.1.1.7 and B.1.351, suggesting immunity may limit disease from emerging variants.

Identification and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 leader subgenomic mRNA gene junctions in nasopharyngeal samples shows phasic transcription in animal models of COVID-19 and dysregulation at later time points that can also be identified in humans

The paper identifies and quantifies SARS-CoV-2 leader-TRS-junctions in samples, showing phasic sgmRNA transcription in animal models and dysregulation in humans.

Dose-dependent response to infection with SARS-CoV-2 in the ferret model: evidence of protection to re-challenge

This study investigates the dose-dependent response of ferrets to SARS-CoV-2 infection, showing protection against re-challenge and mild clinical disease.

Sequential infection with influenza A virus followed by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) leads to more severe disease and encephalitis in a mouse model of COVID-19.

This study shows that sequential infection with influenza A virus followed by SARS-CoV-2 in mice leads to more severe disease and encephalitis compared to single infections.

Neuropilin-1 is a host factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2's S1 protein binds to NRP1 via the CendR motif, enhancing infection and identifying NRP1 as a therapeutic target.

Characterisation of the transcriptome and proteome of SARS-CoV-2 using direct RNA sequencing and tandem mass spectrometry reveals evidence for a cell passage induced in-frame deletion in the spike glycoprotein that removes the furin-like cleavage site

TREM-1 activation is a key regulator in driving severe pathogenesis of enterovirus 71 infection

The paper investigates EV71 infection in human cells, identifies TREM-1 activation as a key driver of severe disease, and shows its role in inflammation and viral load.

Assessment of Metagenomic MinION and Illumina sequencing as an approach for the recovery of whole genome sequences of chikungunya and dengue viruses directly from clinical samples.

This study assesses metagenomic sequencing using MinION and Illumina to recover whole genomes of chikungunya and dengue viruses from clinical samples, showing high feasibility for phylogenetic analysis.