Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shih-Ching Lin, Fang R. Zhao, Hana Janova, Adrian Gervais, Summer Rucknagel, Kristy O. Murray, Jean-Laurent Casanova, Michael S. Diamond
Summary: This study investigates the ability of West Nile virus (WNV) to directly infect gastrointestinal (GI) tract cells and contribute to disease severity. The results show that GI tract cells become infected when STAT1 or type I interferon responses are absent, leading to increased gut and blood-brain barrier permeability, accumulation of gut-derived molecules in the brain, and more severe WNV disease.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Robert E. Snyder, Gail Sondermeyer Cooksey, Vicki Kramer, Seema Jain, Duc J. Vugia
Summary: WNV-associated hospitalizations in California were substantial and costly, with higher incidence in males, elderly persons, and patients with underlying conditions. WNV remains a costly and severe public health threat in California.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Nereida Jimenez de Oya, Patricia Perez, Ana-Belen Blazquez, Estela Escribano-Romero, Mariano Esteban, Juan-Carlos Saiz, Juan Garcia-Arriaza, Miguel A. Martin-Acebes
Summary: The Zika virus is a flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes, which can cause birth defects and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Recent local infections in Europe and the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito raise concerns about future outbreaks in this region. However, the antigenic similarities of Zika with other flaviviruses pose challenges for vaccine development. This study found low cross-reactivity and no antibody-dependent enhancement between the Zika vaccine candidate and the West Nile virus, supporting the safety of the vaccine in areas where West Nile virus is endemic.
Article
Immunology
Jose-Maria Garcia-Carrasco, Antonio-Roman Munoz, Jesus Olivero, Marina Segura, Raimundo Real
Summary: This study created a database of WNV presence in Africa and used biogeographic models to determine the drivers of its distribution. Wetlands and human-related factors were found to play important roles in the spread of WNV. Understanding high-risk areas can help manage the disease and comprehend its transmission through avian migration routes outside Africa.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Danai Pervanidou, Chrysovaladou Niki Kefaloudi, Anna Vakali, Ourania Tsakalidou, Myrsini Karatheodorou, Katerina Tsioka, Maria Evangelidou, Kassiani Mellou, Styliani Pappa, Konstantina Stoikou, Vasiliki Bakaloudi, George Koliopoulos, Kostas Stamoulis, Eleni Patsoula, Constantina Politis, Christos Hadjichristodoulou, Anna Papa
Summary: Since 2010, the West Nile virus (WNV) has been established in Greece. In 2022, there were 286 diagnosed cases of WNV infection in Greece, with 184 cases of neuroinvasive disease (WNND) and 33 deaths. The virus strain belonged to the Central European subclade of WNV lineage 2. Prompt diagnosis and investigation of cases are important for a timely response, and whole genome sequences enable studies on the molecular epidemiology of the disease.
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Folashade Agusto, Daniel Bond, Adira Cohen, Wandi Ding, Rachel Leander, Allis Royer
Summary: We constructed an epidemic model for West Nile virus, considering the interaction between bird hosts, mosquito vectors, and the use of insecticides. We derived the basic reproduction number and formulated optimal control problems to balance the cost and benefit of vector and disease control. Numerical simulations were performed to study the impact of control strategies on the system.
Article
Microbiology
Erica Azevedo Costa, Marta Giovanetti, Lilian Silva Catenacci, Vagner Fonseca, Flavia Figueira Aburjaile, Flavia L. L. Chalhoub, Joilson Xavier, Felipe Campos de Melo Iani, Marcelo Adriano da Cunha e Silva Vieira, Danielle Freitas Henriques, Daniele Barbosa de Almeida Medeiros, Maria Isabel Maldonado Coelho Guedes, Beatriz Senra Alvares da Silva Santos, Aila Solimar Goncalves Silva, Renata de Pino Albuquerque Maranhao, Nieli Rodrigues da Costa Faria, Renata Farinelli de Siqueira, Tulio de Oliveira, Karina Ribeiro Leite Jardim Cavalcante, Noely Fabiana Oliveira de Moura, Alessandro Pecego Martins Romano, Carlos F. Campelo de Albuquerque, Lauro Cesar Soares Feitosa, Jose Joffre Martins Bayeux, Raffaella Bertoni Cavalcanti Teixeira, Osmaikon Lisboa Lobato, Silvokleio da Costa Silva, Ana Maria Bispo de Filippis, Rivaldo Venancio da Cunha, Jose Lourenco, Luiz Carlos Junior Alcantara
Summary: The study found new genetic evidence of WNV circulation in southern and northeastern states of Brazil, with a climate-informed theoretical perspective highlighting the potential transmission pathways. The scarcity of existing data on WNV in Brazil and the need for active surveillance to prepare for future epidemics with human spill-over potential were also emphasized.
Article
Virology
Penny Clarke, J. Smith Leser, Kenneth L. Tyler
Summary: Research shows that intrinsic immune responses play a crucial role in controlling viral growth and limiting neuronal loss during West Nile virus (WNV) infection, in addition to the peripheral immune response. This finding has significant implications for the development of new therapies for WNV-induced CNS disease.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Orianne Constant, Ghizlane Maarifi, Jonathan Barthelemy, Marie-France Martin, Bachirou Tinto, Giovanni Savini, Philippe Van de Perre, Sebastien Nisole, Yannick Simonin, Sara Salinas
Summary: This study characterizes and compares the infectivity, innate immunity and inflammatory responses, and immune cell recruitment of Usutu and West Nile viruses in the blood-brain barrier. Both viruses can infect the blood-brain barrier, but with different consequences. Usutu virus does not strongly affect the endothelium integrity but induces neuroinflammation and immune cell recruitment. In contrast, West Nile virus infection results in endothelium impairment, potent neuroinflammation, and immune cell recruitment.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Johnny A. A. Uelmen Jr, Bennett Lamcyzk, Patrick Irwin, Dan Bartlett, Chris Stone, Andrew Mackay, Arielle Arsenault-Benoit, Sadie J. Ryan, John-Paul Mutebi, Gabriel L. Hamer, Megan Fritz, Rebecca L. Smith
Summary: This study compares traditional trapping methods with the less commonly used human landing catch (HLC) method for sampling potential West Nile virus vectors. The results show that the HLC method provides important insight into the species of mosquitoes biting humans in the region, but alternative approaches must be explored to incorporate this method safely into control programs due to the risk to collectors.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Beatrice Sarah Berneck, Alexandra Rockstroh, Luisa Barzon, Alessandro Sinigaglia, Caterina Vocale, Maria Paola Landini, Holger F. Rabenau, Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit, Sebastian Ulbert
Summary: Due to climate change and the expansion of mosquito vectors, flaviviruses such as West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are becoming endemic in more countries. The serological diagnosis and differentiation between WNV and USUV infections have been challenging due to cross-reacting antibodies. This study developed an improved diagnostic technology that can differentiate antibodies produced during WNV and USUV infections, potentially aiding in the diagnosis of closely related flavivirus infections.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Emily McDonald, Sarabeth Mathis, Stacey W. Martin, J. Erin Staples, Marc Fischer, Nicole P. Lindsey
Summary: West Nile virus (WNV) is an arthropodborne virus and the leading cause of domestically acquired arboviral disease in the United States. Despite stability in national incidence of neuroinvasive disease, peak activity varies regionally. Surveillance and prevention are crucial public health actions to reduce morbidity and mortality.
MMWR SURVEILLANCE SUMMARIES
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jennifer Stander, Aleyo Chabeda, Edward P. Rybicki, Ann E. Meyers
Summary: The West Nile virus is a globally disseminated Flavivirus that causes encephalitis outbreaks in human and horse populations, posing a major public health threat. Utilizing plants as biofactories for vaccine production may offer a cost-effective and safer alternative to current vaccine manufacturing methods.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Talgat Nurmakhanov, Yerlan Sansyzbaev, Boris Atshabar, Vladimir Berlin, Damir Kobzhasarov, Olzhas Yeskhojayev, Anna Vilkova, Timur Ayazbayev, Alexey Andryuchshenko, Fyodor Bidashko, John Hay, Alexandr Shvetsov
Summary: The West Nile virus is prevalent in southern Russia and parts of Western Kazakhstan, with a small percentage of Culex modestus mosquitoes carrying the virus and around 5% of the local human population testing positive for West Nile virus IgG.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Patrick Boada, Benoit Fatou, Alexia A. Belperron, Tara K. Sigdel, Kinga K. Smolen, Zainab Wurie, Ofer Levy, Shannon E. Ronca, Kristy O. Murray, Juliane M. Liberto, Priyanka Rashmi, Maggie Kerwin, Ruth R. Montgomery, Linda K. Bockenstedt, Hanno Steen, Minnie M. Sarwal
Summary: Advancements in proteomics methods have helped in early disease diagnostics and understanding molecular mechanisms of diseases. This study compared the serum proteomes of two arthropod-borne infections and identified similarities in host responses and differential proteins between the two diseases.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Laura Pattacini, Amanda Woodward Davis, Julie Czartoski, Florian Mair, Scott Presnell, Sean M. Hughes, Ollivier Hyrien, Gretchen M. Lentz, Anna C. Kirby, Michael F. Fialkow, Florian Hladik, Martin Prlic, Jennifer M. Lund
MUCOSAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Immunology
Jessica B. Graham, Jessica L. Swarts, Vineet D. Menachery, Lisa E. Gralinski, Alexandra Schafer, Kenneth S. Plante, Clayton R. Morrison, Kathleen M. Voss, Richard Green, Gabrielle Choonoo, Sophia Jeng, Darla R. Miller, Michael A. Mooney, Shannon K. McWeeney, Martin T. Ferris, Fernando Pardo-Manuel de Villena, Michael Gale, Mark T. Heise, Ralph S. Baric, Jennifer M. Lund
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2020)
Article
Cell Biology
Venkateswarlu Chamcha, Pradeep B. J. Reddy, Sunil Kannanganat, Courtney Wilkins, Sailaja Gangadhara, Vijayakumar Velu, Richard Green, G. Lynn Law, Jean Chang, James R. Bowen, Pamela A. Kozlowski, Michelle Lifton, Sampa Santra, Traci Legere, Lynette S. Chea, Lakshmi Chennareddi, Tianwei Yu, Mehul S. Suthar, Guido Silvestri, Cynthia A. Derdeyn, Michael Gale, Francois Villinger, Eric Hunter, Rama Rao Amara
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2019)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fredrik Barrenas, Kevin Raehtz, Cuiling Xu, Lynn Law, Richard R. Green, Guido Silvestri, Steven E. Bosinger, Andrew Nishida, Qingsheng Li, Wuxun Lu, Jianshui Zhang, Matthew J. Thomas, Jean Chang, Elise Smith, Jeffrey M. Weiss, Reem A. Dawoud, George H. Richter, Anita Trichel, Dongzhu Ma, Xinxia Peng, Jan Komorowski, Cristian Apetrei, Ivona Pandrea, Michael Gale
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2019)
Article
Immunology
Katelyn Burleigh, Joanna H. Maltbaek, Stephanie Cambier, Richard Green, Michael Gale, Richard C. James, Daniel B. Stetson
SCIENCE IMMUNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Pavitra Roychoudhury, David A. Swan, Elizabeth R. Duke, Lawrence Corey, Jia Zhu, Veronica A. Dave, Laura E. Richert-Spuhler, Jennifer M. Lund, Martin Prlic, Joshua T. Schiffer
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sladjana Skopelja-Gardner, Jie An, Joyce Tai, Lena Tanaka, Xizhang Sun, Payton Hermanson, Rebecca Baum, Masaoki Kawasumi, Richard Green, Michael Gale, Andrea Kalus, Victoria P. Werth, Keith B. Elkon
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2020)
Article
Biology
Elliott Swanson, Cara Lord, Julian Reading, Alexander T. Heubeck, Palak C. Genge, Zachary Thomson, Morgan Da Weiss, Xiao-jun Li, Adam K. Savage, Richard R. Green, Troy R. Torgerson, Thomas F. Bumol, Lucas T. Graybuck, Peter J. Skene
Summary: Single-cell measurements play a key role in understanding diverse pathways of differentiation, cellular responses to signals, and human diseases. Through innovative technologies, a novel assay has been developed that allows simultaneous measurement of cell surface markers and chromatin accessibility, providing a new toolkit to identify type-specific gene regulation and expression.
Article
Microbiology
Fredrik Barrenas, Scott G. Hansen, Lynn Law, Connor Driscoll, Richard R. Green, Elise Smith, Jean Chang, Inah Golez, Taryn Urion, Xinxia Peng, Leanne Whitmore, Daniel Newhouse, Colette M. Hughes, David Morrow, Kurt T. Randall, Andrea N. Selseth, Julia C. Ford, Roxanne M. Gilbride, Bryan E. Randall, Emily Ainslie, Kelli Oswald, Rebecca Shoemaker, Randy Fast, William J. Bosche, Michael K. Axthelm, Yoshinori Fukazawa, George N. Pavlakis, Barbara K. Felber, Slim Fourati, Rafick-Pierre Sekaly, Jeffrey D. Lifson, Jan Komorowski, Ewelina Kosmider, Danica Shao, Wenjun Song, Paul T. Edlefsen, Louis J. Picker, Michael Gale
Summary: This study found that administration of the 68-1 RhCMV/SIV vector vaccine dramatically altered the whole blood transcriptome of vaccinated RMs, inducing specific immune-related pathways that significantly influenced vaccine efficacy. These pathways include immune cell, toll-like receptor (TLR), inflammasome/cell death, and interleukin-15 (IL-15) signaling, with IL-15 playing a central role in the protection signature linked to the major immune gene expression networks correlating with vaccine efficacy.
Review
Immunology
Brianna R. Traxinger, Laura E. Richert-Spuhler, Jennifer M. Lund
Summary: Tregs are essential for preventing autoimmune diseases and maintaining immune balance, while also exhibiting tissue-specific functions and dynamic roles within different tissue compartments.
MUCOSAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Jennifer M. Lund
MUCOSAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Brianna Traxinger, Sarah C. Vick, Amanda Woodward-Davis, Valentin Voillet, Jami R. Erickson, Julie Czartoski, Candice Teague, Martin Prlic, Jennifer M. Lund
Summary: Regulatory T cells in mucosal tissues exhibit distinct characteristics and activation, which may have implications for immune responses and vaccine design.
MUCOSAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Veronica Dave, Laura E. Richert-Spuhler, Tanvi Arkatkar, Lakshmi Warrier, Thepthara Pholsena, Christine Johnston, Joshua T. Schiffer, Martin Prlic, Jennifer M. Lund
Summary: The immune cell compartment in genital skin expands and contracts following HSV-2 reactivation, and includes cells recruited from circulation and proliferating cells. Despite frequent antigen exposure, tissue T cell number and phenotype remain stable in the long-term, likely driven by regulatory mechanisms. It remains unclear if periodic viral reactivation can induce T cell dysfunction in a localized infection.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2023)