M. W. Carroll

Gonadal androgens are associated with decreased type I interferon production by pDCs and increased IgG titres to BNT162b2 following co-vaccination with live attenuated influenza vaccine in adolescents

The paper investigates how gonadal androgens affect type I interferon production by pDCs and IgG titres to BNT162b2 in adolescents co-vaccinated with LAIV.

Hypoxia inducible factors regulate infectious SARS-CoV-2, epithelial damage and respiratory symptoms in a hamster COVID-19 model.

This study shows that activating HIF signaling reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection and respiratory symptoms in hamsters by decreasing viral RNA and epithelial damage.

The characterization of multiple novel paramyxovirus species highlights the diverse nature of the subfamily Orthoparamyxovirinae

This study identifies fifteen new orthoparamyxovirus species from rodents and shrews, revealing novel genome structures and evolutionary relationships within the subfamily.

Antibody evasion by the Brazilian P.1 strain of SARS-CoV-2

This study compares antibody resistance of SARS-CoV-2 variants P.1, B.1.351, and B.1.1.7, finding P.1 is less resistant to antibodies despite similar ACE2 binding mutations.

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.

Sequential delivery of LAIV and SARS-CoV-2 in the ferret model can reduce SARS-CoV-2 shedding and does not result in enhanced lung pathology.

This study shows that administering LAIV before or after SARS-CoV-2 infection in ferrets does not worsen disease and may reduce viral shedding.

mRNA vaccine CVnCoV protects non-human primates from SARS-CoV-2 challenge infection

This study shows that the mRNA vaccine CVnCoV protects non-human primates from SARS-CoV-2 infection and reduces disease severity.

Prophylactic intranasal administration of a TLR2 agonist reduces upper respiratory tract viral shedding in a SARS-CoV-2 challenge ferret model

Synthetic Heparan Sulfate Mimetic Pixatimod (PG545) Potently Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 By Disrupting The Spike-ACE2 interaction

This paper shows that pixatimod inhibits SARS-CoV-2 by disrupting the Spike-ACE2 interaction, demonstrating its potential as an anti-COVID-19 therapeutic.

Structural basis for the neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 by an antibody from a convalescent patient

This paper identifies an antibody, EY6A, from a convalescent patient that neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 and cross-reacts with SARS-CoV-1 by binding a conserved epitope on the Spike protein.

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

Metagenomic Nanopore sequencing of influenza virus direct from clinical respiratory samples

This study uses metagenomic Nanopore sequencing to detect influenza virus in clinical respiratory samples, achieving high sensitivity and complete genome sequencing.

Nanopore metagenomic sequencing of full length human metapneumovirus (HMPV) within a unique sub-lineage

This study uses Nanopore metagenomic sequencing to directly sequence the full-length HMPV genome from a UK patient, identifying a unique genetic group and demonstrating the utility of Nanopore for clinical diagnosis.

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.

A novel strategy to express different antigens from one modified vaccinia Ankara vaccine vector

The paper develops a modified Vaccinia Ankara vector expressing antigens from multiple pathogens and tests its immunogenicity in mice, finding that while MVA-specific antibodies were induced, no antibodies against RABV or HBV were detected.