M. T. Ferris

Host genetic variation guides hepacivirus clearance, chronicity, and liver fibrosis in mice

The paper infects diverse mouse strains with a hepacivirus and shows host genetic variation influences viral clearance, chronicity, and liver fibrosis outcomes.

Neuroinvasive flavivirus pathogenesis is restricted by host genetic factors in Collaborative Cross mice, independently of Oas1b

This study identifies host genetic factors influencing POWV pathogenesis in CC mice, showing resistance correlates with reduced viral replication and brain infection.

A Multitrait Locus Regulates Sarbecovirus Pathogenesis

The paper identifies a multitrait locus on mouse Chromosome 9 that regulates SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and bat sarbecovirus disease severity, with candidate genes CCR9 and CXCR6.

Zhx2 is a candidate gene underlying oxymorphone metabolite brain concentration associated with state-dependent oxycodone reward

This study identifies Zhx2 as a candidate gene influencing oxymorphone brain concentrations and state-dependent oxycodone reward in female mice.

Increased intestinal permeability in an orally-reactive peanut allergy model identifies Angiopoietin like-4 as a biomarker

The paper identifies Angptl4 as a biomarker of peanut allergy by showing increased intestinal permeability and serum Angptl4 levels in a mouse model and pediatric patients.

Common Mechanism of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 Pathogenesis across Species

The paper identifies host susceptibility loci for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 using GWAS and Collaborative Cross datasets, validating CCR9 as a key regulator of severe disease outcomes across species.

Baseline T cell immune phenotypes predict virologic and disease control upon SARS-CoV infection

The paper shows that baseline T cell immune signatures in mice predict virologic and disease outcomes upon SARS-CoV infection.

Mucin 4 Protects Female Mice from Coronavirus Pathogenesis

This study identifies Muc4 as a protective factor in female mice against SARS-CoV pathogenesis, showing sex-specific effects without altering viral titers.

Functionally overlapping variants control TB susceptibility in Collaborative Cross mice

The paper identifies multiple genetic loci associated with tuberculosis susceptibility in Collaborative Cross mice, including a loss-of-function mutation in Itgal that impairs T cell recruitment.

Zika virus infection in Collaborative Cross mice

The paper tests Collaborative Cross mice as an immune-competent model for ZIKV infection, finding poor infection and low antibody response.