S. L. O'Connor

Potent antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity of a V2-specific antibody is not sufficient for protection of macaques against SIV challenge

This study shows that potent antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) by a V2-specific antibody is insufficient to protect macaques against SIV challenge, but reduced viral loads were observed with a neutralization-sensitive SIV variant.

Gain without pain: Adaptation and increased virulence of Zika virus in vertebrate host without fitness cost in mosquito vector

This study shows that ZIKV adapts to vertebrate hosts with increased virulence without reducing its ability to transmit via mosquitoes.

CD8+ cells and small viral reservoirs facilitate post-ART control of SIV in Mauritian cynomolgus macaques

Host Immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection is Similar in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV)-infected, Antiretroviral Therapy-treated and SIV-naïve Juvenile Macaques

This study compares host immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in SIV-infected, ART-treated and SIV-naïve juvenile macaques, finding similar TB progression and T cell responses.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific CD4 T cells expressing transcription factors associate with bacterial control in granulomas

The paper identifies Mtb-specific CD4 T cells in granulomas and shows that transcription factors T-bet and RORγT correlate with bacterial control.

A NEW VARIANT OF HEPATITIS A VIRUS CAUSING TRANSIENT LIVER ENZYME ELEVATIONS IN MAURITIUS-ORIGIN LABORATORY-HOUSED CYNOMOLGUS MACAQUES

A new HAV genotype causing transient liver enzyme elevations in macaques was identified using deep sequencing, and vaccination prevented recurrence.

Transient T cell expansion, activation, and proliferation in therapeutically vaccinated SIV+ macaques treated with N-803

This study shows that therapeutic vaccination with a heterologous prime-boost regimen followed by N-803 treatment enhances CD8+ T cell responses in SIV-infected macaques.

IL-15 superagonist N-803 enhances IFNγ production and alters the trafficking of MAIT cells in SIV+ macaques

This study shows that N-803 increases IFNγ production and alters MAIT cell trafficking in SIV+ macaques.

Control of SIV infection in prophylactically vaccinated, ART-naïve macaques is required for the most efficacious CD8 T cell response during treatment with the IL-15 superagonist N-803

This study shows that N-803 treatment enhances CD8 T cell responses in SIV-infected macaques with low viral set-points, but not in those without prior immune control.

Zika virus infection of pregnant Ifnar1-/- mice triggers strain-specific differences in fetal outcomes

This study compares fetal outcomes in pregnant Ifnar1-/- mice infected with different ZIKV strains, finding strain-specific differences in fetal demise rates.

Spontaneous control of SIV replication does not prevent immune dysregulation and bacterial dissemination in animals co-infected with M. tuberculosis

This study shows that SIV+ animals, regardless of viral control, have higher Mtb burden and dysregulated immune responses, leading to increased bacterial dissemination.

MAIT cells are minimally responsive to Mycobacterium tuberculosis within granulomas, but are functionally impaired by SIV in a macaque model of SIV and Mtb co-infection

This study examines MAIT cell function in a macaque model of SIV and Mtb co-infection, finding minimal Mtb responsiveness within granulomas and impaired TNF secretion during co-infection.

Spondweni virus causes fetal harm in a mouse model of vertical transmission and is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

This study shows Spondweni virus causes fetal harm in mice and is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, similar to Zika virus.

Extensive CD8β depletion does not prevent control of viral replication or protection from challenge in macaques chronically infected with a live attenuated simian immunodeficiency virus

This study shows that CD8β+ T cell depletion in SIV-infected macaques does not prevent viral control or protection from challenge, suggesting CD8β+ T cells are not essential for these outcomes.

Acute-phase CD4+ T cell responses targeting invariant viral regions are associated with control of live-attenuated simian immunodeficiency virus

This study shows that CD4+ T cell responses targeting invariant viral regions in MCMs without protective MHC alleles correlate with lower viral load during SIV infection.

Molecularly barcoded Zika virus libraries to probe in vivo evolutionary dynamics

This paper uses molecularly barcoded Zika virus to study in vivo infection dynamics in pregnant and non-pregnant macaques and mosquitoes, finding stable lineage proportions during acute infection but a rapid decline in complexity post-infection in pregnant animals.

Ocular and uteroplacental pathology in macaque congenital Zika virus infection

This study reports ocular and uteroplacental pathology in rhesus macaques infected with ZIKV during pregnancy, showing prolonged viral replication and severe fetal outcomes.

Highly Efficient Maternal-Fetal Zika Virus Transmission in Pregnant Rhesus Macaques

This study infects pregnant rhesus macaques with ZIKV and observes prolonged maternal viremia and fetal tissue infection, indicating efficient vertical transmission.