S. Namasivayam

Pre-existing interferon gamma conditions the lung to mediate early control of SARS-CoV-2

This study shows that pre-existing IFN-gamma responses from bacterial infection reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral loads in the lungs and protect against disease in mice.

Massive invasion of organellar DNA drives nuclear genome evolution in Toxoplasma

This paper identifies extensive organellar DNA insertion into the nuclear genome of Toxoplasma gondii, revealing its role in genomic variation and potential functional impact.

Helminth exposure protects against murine SARS-CoV-2 infection through macrophage dependent T cell activation

This study shows that prior helminth infection reduces SARS-CoV-2 viral loads in mice by enhancing CD8+ T cell responses through macrophage-dependent mechanisms.

Mild SARS-CoV-2 infection in rhesus macaques is associated with viral control prior to antigen-specific T cell responses in tissues

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 replication declines in the lungs before T cell responses, while innate immunity restricts viral replication in nasal and oral mucosa in rhesus macaques.

Intravenous administration of BCG protects mice against lethal SARS-CoV-2 challenge

This study shows that intravenous BCG vaccination protects mice from lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection by altering pulmonary myeloid cell function and reducing immunopathology.

Functional inactivation of pulmonary MAIT cells following 5-OP-RU treatment of non-human primates

This study shows that 5-OP-RU treatment of M. tuberculosis-infected rhesus macaques leads to MAIT cell dysfunction rather than expansion, with upregulated PD-1 and loss of cytokine production.

PD-1 blockade exacerbates Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in rhesus macaques

This study shows that PD-1 blockade worsens Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in rhesus macaques by increasing bacterial loads and altering immune responses.