This study compares the susceptibility of different species to bat-borne H9N2 influenza virus, finding that Eidolon helvum is highly susceptible and transmits efficiently, while pigs and quails are not.

bioRxiv · Oct 16, 2026 · PreprintMicrobiology

First evaluation of a human DPP4 transgenic hamster model for MERS-CoV pathogenesis and transmission

Jacob Schön, Yanan Liu, Nico Joël Halwe, Tobias Britzke, Marie-Claire B. Codjia Risch, Rong Li, Nathan M. Merrill, Lorenz Ulrich, Jordi Rodon, J P Bork, Diana Bösel, Annika Beyer, Marcel A. Müller, Christian Drosten, Angele Breithaupt, , Martin Beer

This study evaluates a human DPP4 transgenic hamster model for MERS-CoV infection and transmission, showing efficient viral replication and similar clinical outcomes with two MERS-CoV strains.

bioRxiv · May 26, 2026 · PreprintMicrobiology

One and Done: A safe, adaptable single-cycle SARS-CoV-2 vaccine platform blocks XBB.1.5 infection and transmission

Jacob Schön, Nico Joël Halwe, Tobias Britzke, Angele Breithaupt, Lorenz Ulrich, Jana Kochmann, Björn Corleis, Enja Tatjana Kipfer, Thomas Klimkait, Donata Hoffmann, Fabian Otte, Martin Beer, David Hauser

bioRxiv · Mar 10, 2026 · PreprintImmunology

Detection of low pre-existing humoral immunity against influenza virus H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in unexposed individuals

Katharina Daniel, Leon Ullrich, Denis Ruchnewitz, Matthijs Meijers, Nico Joël Halwe, Ursula Wild, Jan Eberhardt, Jacob Schön, Ricarda Stumpf, Maike Schlotz, Marie Wunsch, Luana Girao Lessa, Elsayed M. Abdelwhab, Maryna Kuryshko, Christopher Dietrich, , Florian Klein

The paper assesses pre-existing humoral immunity against H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in unexposed individuals and finds low but distinct cross-neutralizing titers.

Immunity · Jan 30, 2026Peer-reviewedImmunology

Outcome of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus infection in calves and lactating cows

Nico Joël Halwe, Konner R. Cool, Angele Breithaupt, Jacob Schön, Jessie D. Trujillo, Mohammed Nooruzzaman, Taeyong Kwon, Ann Kathrin Ahrens, Tobias Britzke, Chester D. McDowell, Ronja Piesche, Gagandeep Singh, Vinícius Pinho dos Reis, Sujan Kafle, Anne Pohlmann, , Jüergen A. Richt

This study investigates H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus infection in calves and lactating cows, finding that mammary gland infection causes severe mastitis and reduced milk production, with transmission likely via milk rather than respiratory routes.

Nature · Sep 25, 2024Peer-reviewedMicrobiology

Single-cycle SARS-CoV-2 vaccine elicits high protection and sterilizing immunity in hamsters

Martin Joseph Lett, Fabian Otte, David Hauser, Jacob Schön, Enja Tatjana Kipfer, Donata Hoffmann, Nico Joël Halwe, Lorenz Ulrich, Yuepeng Zhang, Vladimir Cmiljanović, Claudia Wylezich, Lorena Urda, Christopher M. R. Lang, Martin Beer, Christian Mittelholzer, Thomas Klimkait

This study develops a single-cycle SARS-CoV-2 vaccine that provides full protection and sterilizing immunity in hamsters against autologous challenge.

bioRxiv · May 17, 2023 · PreprintMolecular Biology