This study examines histopathological and viral protein expression features of Boid Inclusion Body Disease in boa constrictors, finding higher IB and NP scores in recent cases and no significant link between NP scores and inflammation.

bioRxiv · Nov 4, 2026 · PreprintPathology

The biodistribution and effect of post-exposure neutralising monoclonal antibody treatment in a mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection with viral spread to the brain

Janine Schlaepfer, Simon De Neck, Rebekah Penrice-Randal, Parul Sharma, Adam Kirby, Lee M. Tatham, Eduardo Gallardo Toledo, Joanne Herriott, Edyta Kijak, Joanne Sharp, James P. Stewart, Andrew Owen, Anja Kipar

This study investigates the biodistribution and effects of Ronapreve in a mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection, showing it does not reach the brain but reduces viral loads in the lung and brain.

bioRxiv · May 29, 2026 · PreprintPathology

SARS-CoV-2 infection in hiPSC-derived neurons is cathepsin-dependent and causes accumulation of HIF1alpha and phosphorylated tau

Pinja Kettunen, Janika Ruuska, Tania Quirin, Ravi Ojha, Saber H. Saber, Julian D. J. Sng, Sean D. Morrison, Bahaa Al-mhanawi, Mohammed R. Shaker, Simon De Neck, Anja Kipar, Lassi Paavolainen, Ernst Jurgen Wolvetang, Merja Joensuu, Jari Koıstınaho, , Giuseppe Balistreri

This study shows SARS-CoV-2 infects hiPSC-derived neurons via endosomal-lysosomal pathway dependent on cathepsins, leading to HIF1alpha accumulation and phosphorylated tau, suggesting neurodegenerative effects.

Molecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids · Oct 1, 2025Peer-reviewedMicrobiology

The K18-hACE2 mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection to illustrate the role and response of the vasculature in neurotropic viral infection

Simon De Neck, Rebekah Penrice-Randal, Leandro Xavier Neves, Frauke Seehusen, Parul Sharma, Barbara Helminger, Adam Kirby, Daniele Mega, Maximilian Erdmann, Martina Zanella, Michelle E. Reid, Edward Emmott, Giuseppe Balistreri, Alaa Othman, Udo Hetzel, , Anja Kipar

This study uses a K18-hACE2 mouse model to show SARS-CoV-2 infects neurons in the brain without damaging blood vessels, leading to limited neuroinflammation.

bioRxiv · Feb 7, 2025 · PreprintPathology

Hypoxia inducible factors inhibit respiratory syncytial virus infection by modulation of nucleolin expression

Xiaodong Alan Zhuang, Giulia Gallo, Parul Sharma, Jiyeon Ha, Andrea Magri, Helene Borrmann, James Michael Harris, Senko Tsukuda, Eleanor G. Bentley, Adam Kirby, Simon De Neck, Hongbing Yang, Peter Balfe, Peter A. C. Wing, David A. Matthews, , Jane A. McKeating

This study shows that hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) suppress RSV infection by reducing nucleolin expression and inhibiting viral replication and inflammation.

iScience · Dec 18, 2023Peer-reviewedMolecular Biology