M. Wider

The spike gene is a major determinant for the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron-BA.1 phenotype

This study shows the spike gene determines replication, pathogenicity, and immune evasion of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron-BA.1 compared to Delta in cell cultures and animal models.

Enhanced fitness of SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern B.1.1.7, but not B.1.351, in animal models

The paper compares the fitness of SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 in animal models, finding B.1.1.7 has a fitness advantage in ferrets and mice but not in hamsters.

Establishment of a reverse genetic system from a bovine derived Influenza D virus isolate.

This paper establishes a reverse genetic system for a bovine Influenza D virus isolate to study its host tropism.

Susceptibility of well-differentiated airway epithelial cell cultures from domestic and wildlife animals to SARS-CoV-2

This study assesses the susceptibility of airway epithelial cell cultures from various animals to SARS-CoV-2, finding efficient replication only in monkey and cat models.

Identification of five antiviral compounds from the Pandemic Response Box targeting SARS-CoV-2

This study screens 400 compounds from the Pandemic Response Box and identifies five with antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, including some more effective than Remdesivir.

Disparate temperature-dependent virus - host dynamics for SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV in the human respiratory epithelium

This study compares temperature-dependent replication and immune response dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV in human airway epithelial cells, highlighting differences in their antiviral responses and transmission efficiency.

Rapid reconstruction of SARS-CoV-2 using a synthetic genomics platform

This paper describes a yeast-based synthetic genomics platform for rapid reconstruction of RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, using synthetic DNA fragments and TAR cloning.