Article
Virology
Shufang Fan, Chunyang Gu, Huihui Kong, Lizheng Guan, Gabriele Neumann, Yoshihiro Kawaoka
Summary: Small animal models are crucial for studying the properties of seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses, but they do not always replicate human influenza viruses efficiently. Researchers have developed a high-yield vaccine virus backbone that can increase the replication of seasonal influenza viruses in Syrian hamsters, providing a useful tool for evaluating the biological properties of influenza viruses.
Article
Immunology
Sreelekshmy Mohandas, Anita Shete, Prasad Sarkale, Abhinendra Kumar, Chandrasekhar Mote, Pragya Yadav
Summary: Nipah virus (NiV) is a high-risk pathogen that can cause fatal infections in humans. The Indian isolate from the 2018 outbreak showed a 4% difference from the Bangladesh strains of NiV, mostly in the phosphoprotein gene. Infection in Vero and BHK-21 cells resulted in differential expression of viral genes, while intraperitoneal and intranasal infection in Syrian hamsters led to multisystemic disease and respiratory tract infection, respectively. The hamster model showed disease characteristics similar to human NiV infection. The amino acid variation in the Indian isolate should be further studied for its functional significance.
Article
Microbiology
Chi-Ju Hsu, Wen-Chin Lin, Yu-Ching Chou, Chuen-Mi Yang, Hsueh-Ling Wu, Yun-Hsiang Cheng, Ping-Cheng Liu, Jia-Yu Chang, Hsing-Yu Chen, Jun-Ren Sun
Summary: This study investigates the long-term lung pathology and blood chemistry changes in Syrian hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2. It found that the virus has an acute onset and recovery course, causing lung damage and long-term changes in blood biochemistry. These findings are important for understanding the long-term health consequences of COVID-19.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Catalina Forero, Jana M. Ritter, Josilene Nascimento Seixas, JoAnn D. Coleman-McCray, Marie Brake, Jillian A. Condrey, Cassandra Tansey, Stephen R. Welch, Sarah C. Genzer, Jessica R. Spengler
Summary: Syrian hamsters are important animal models for studying SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses. It has been found that higher instillation volumes may result in aspiration of foreign material, leading to histopathological changes in the respiratory tract.
Article
Immunology
Stuart P. Weisberg, Thomas J. Connors, Yun Zhu, Matthew R. Baldwin, Wen-Hsuan Lin, Sandeep Wontakal, Peter A. Szabo, Steven B. Wells, Pranay Dogra, Joshua Gray, Emma Idzikowski, Debora Stelitano, Francesca T. Bovier, Julia Davis-Porada, Rei Matsumoto, Maya Meimei Li Poon, Michael Chait, Cyrille Mathieu, Branka Horvat, Didier Decimo, Krystalyn E. Hudson, Flavia Dei Zotti, Zachary C. Bitan, Francesca La Carpia, Stephen A. Ferrara, Emily Mace, Joshua Milner, Anne Moscona, Eldad Hod, Matteo Porotto, Donna L. Farber
Summary: This study found distinct antibody responses in children and adults after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Adult COVID-19 cohorts showed a broader range of antibody responses, while children predominantly generated antibodies specific for the S protein and had reduced neutralizing activity compared to adults.
Article
Virology
Ariel Isaacs, Stacey T. M. Cheung, Nazia Thakur, Noushin Jaberolansar, Andrew Young, Naphak Modhiran, Dalan Bailey, Simon P. Graham, Paul R. Young, Keith J. Chappell, Daniel Watterson
Summary: The majority of vaccine development for Nipah virus (NiV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) focuses on their attachment and fusion proteins. Utilizing a vaccine strategy that includes both the F and G proteins can provide broader protection against these pathogens.
Article
Virology
Yi Xue, Dong Yang, Peter Vogel, Jennifer Stabenow, Lillian Zalduondo, Ying Kong, Yazhini Ravi, Chittoor B. Sai-Sudhakar, Jyothi Parvathareddy, Ernestine Hayes, Shannon Taylor, Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, Colleen B. Jonsson
Summary: The Syrian hamster has been proven to be a useful model for evaluating the treatment and vaccines of SARS-CoV-2. The evaluation of lung histopathology scores at 4 dpi and 8 dpi showed that these time points are prime indicators for assessing moderate lung pathology, including bronchial hyperplasia, alveolar involvement, and bronchiolization. Furthermore, early infection in the hamsters led to increased neutrophil levels, red blood cell count, and hematocrit. The examination also revealed severe damage to the pulmonary vasculature, suggesting endothelialitis as a possible determinant of the pathological findings along with the host inflammatory response. In addition, the pathological examination of the heart showed evidence of intracardiac platelet/fibrin aggregates, indicating a hypercoagulative state in the infected hamsters.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Stephen R. Welch, Jana M. Ritter, Amy J. Schuh, Sarah C. Genzer, Teresa E. Sorvillo, Jessica R. Harmon, JoAnn D. Coleman-McCray, Shilpi Jain, Punya Shrivastava-Ranjan, Josilene Nascimento Seixas, Lindsey B. Estetter, Pamela S. Fair, Jonathan S. Towner, Joel M. Montgomery, Cesar G. Albarino, Christina F. Spiropoulou, Jessica R. Spengler
Summary: In this study, Syrian hamsters were used to study the infection of Sosuga virus. The researchers characterized the kinetics of virus dissemination and replication, as well as the clinical parameters, immunological responses, and histopathology. The results showed that hamsters were susceptible to infection without showing any clinical signs or significant histopathologic findings in tissues.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Yangyang Jia, Yanru Wang, Louisa S. Chard Dunmall, Nicholas R. Lemoine, Pengju Wang, Yaohe Wang
Summary: Cancer immunotherapy (CIT) is a promising new approach to cancer treatment, but the overall response rate is still unsatisfactory. Therefore, an ideal preclinical animal model for evaluating CIT is urgently needed. Syrian hamsters show similarities to humans in terms of their anatomy, physiology, and pathology, making them an ideal model for studying CIT. This article reviews current tumor models in Syrian hamsters and the latest progress in using them to develop and assess CIT for human cancer treatments, as well as the challenges involved.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Zhongde Wang, Robert T. Cormier
Summary: The golden Syrian hamster, with the application of CRISPR/Cas9 genetic engineering technology, can now be gene targeted as readily as mouse models. The phenotypes of gene-targeted knockout hamster cancer models TP53, KCNQ1, and IL2RG are described in this review, showing cancer phenotypes not observed in mouse KOs, such as aggressive acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) in TP53 KO hamsters. The strengths and weaknesses of mouse cancer models and hamster cancer models are discussed, highlighting the potential of genetically engineered hamster cancer models in developing new cancer therapies.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhaoqian Wang, Ha Dang, Moushimi Amaya, Yan Xu, Randy Yin, Lianying Yan, Andrew C. Hickey, Edward J. Annand, Bethany A. Horsburgh, Peter A. Reid, Ina Smith, John-Sebastian Eden, Kai Xu, Christopher C. Broder, David Veesler
Summary: A new variant of Hendra virus, HeV-g2, with significant genetic divergence from the original strain, has been discovered in regions of Australia previously not considered at risk for HeV spillover. Despite the genetic differences, HeV-g2 retains similar receptor tropism and antigenic properties as the original strain. A tetravalent monoclonal antibody mixture has been formulated, capable of neutralizing both HeV and HeV-g2, providing a potential treatment option for HNV infections.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biology
Zaigham Abbas Rizvi, Rajdeep Dalal, Srikanth Sadhu, Akshay Binayke, Jyotsna Dandotiya, Yashwant Kumar, Tripti Shrivastava, Sonu Kumar Gupta, Suruchi Aggarwal, Manas Ranjan Tripathy, Deepak Kumar Rathore, Amit Kumar Yadav, Guruprasad R. Medigeshi, Amit Kumar Pandey, Sweety Samal, Shailendra Asthana, Amit Awasthi
Summary: Using a hamster model, researchers found that early SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to acute inflammatory response and lung pathology, while late-stage infection causes cardiovascular complications characterized by ventricular wall thickening and interstitial coronary fibrosis. Molecular profiling showed elevated levels of cardiac troponin I, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and long-chain fatty acid triglycerides in the infected hamsters' serum. Metabolomics profiling identified N-acetylneuraminate as a common metabolic marker between infected hamsters and COVID-19 patients. The study suggests that hamsters are a suitable animal model for studying cardiovascular complications associated with post-COVID sequelae.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Wenjun Zhu, Bradley Pickering, Greg Smith, Mathieu Pinette, Thang Truong, Shawn Babiuk, Darwyn Kobasa, Logan Banadyga, Ming Yang
Summary: A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) using a monoclonal antibody (mAb) and recombinant NiV glycoprotein (G) was developed and evaluated for the detection of Nipah virus and Hendra virus. The cELISA showed comparable or better results than the commonly used plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT), making it a suitable screening test for these viruses.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Raul Gomez Roman, Nadia Tornieporth, Neil George Cherian, Amy C. Shurtleff, Maina L'Azou Jackson, Debra Yeskey, Adam Hacker, Eric Mungai, Tung Thanh Le
Summary: Henipaviruses, including Nipah virus, are considered pathogens with notable epidemic potential due to their high pathogenicity and the lack of specific medical countermeasures. Innovative strategies are necessary to address the sporadic and unpredictable nature of henipavirus outbreaks. Stronger partnerships with scientific institutions and regulatory authorities in low-income and middle-income countries are essential to inform appropriate investments and development of strategies for the equitable use of multiple medical countermeasures.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Thomas W. Geisbert, Kathryn Bobb, Viktoriya Borisevich, Joan B. Geisbert, Krystle N. Agans, Robert W. Cross, Abhishek N. Prasad, Karla A. Fenton, Hao Yu, Timothy R. Fouts, Christopher C. Broder, Antony S. Dimitrov
Summary: A human subunit vaccine based on the attachment glycoprotein of Hendra virus was found to provide protection against both Nipah and Hendra viruses in a nonhuman primate model, starting as early as 7 days post immunization with a low dose. This vaccine could potentially serve as an efficient emergency tool to control the spread of Nipah disease during outbreaks.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Patrick O. Mills, Cassandra O. Tansey, Sarah C. Genzer, Matthew R. Mauldin, Rex A. Howard, Chantal A. Kling, Felix R. Jackson, Audrey M. Matheny, Dawn M. Boothe, George W. Lathrop, Nathaniel Powell, Nadia Gallardo-Romero
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Microbiology
Stephen R. Welch, Florine E. M. Scholte, Jessica R. Spengler, Jana M. Ritter, Joann D. Coleman-McCray, Jessica R. Harmon, Stuart T. Nichol, Sherif R. Zaki, Christina F. Spiropoulou, Eric Bergeron
Article
Microbiology
Jillian A. Condrey, Timothy Flietstra, Kaitlyn M. Nestor, Elizabeth L. Schlosser, JoAnn D. Coleman-McCray, Sarah C. Genzer, Stephen R. Welch, Jessica R. Spengler
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Thanhthao Huynh, Joy M. Gary, Stephen R. Welch, Joann Coleman-McCray, Jessica R. Harmon, Markus H. Kainulainen, Brigid C. Bollweg, Jana M. Ritter, Wun-Ju Shieh, Stuart T. Nichol, Sherif R. Zaki, Christina F. Spiropoulou, Jessica R. Spengler
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Microbiology
Stephen R. Welch, Katherine A. Davies, Hubert Buczkowski, Nipunadi Hettiarachchi, Nicole Green, Ulrike Arnold, Matthew Jones, Matthew J. Hannah, Reah Evans, Christopher Burton, Jane E. Burton, Malcolm Guiver, Patricia A. Cane, Neil Woodford, Christine B. Bruce, Allen D. G. Roberts, Marian J. Killip
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Katherine Davies, Hubert Buczkowski, Stephen R. Welch, Nicole Green, Damian Mawer, Neil Woodford, Allen D. G. Roberts, Peter J. Nixon, David W. Seymour, Marian J. Killip
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of seven commercially available mouthwashes in inactivating SARS-CoV-2, showing significant reductions in viral titres with specific mouthwash formulations. Mouthwashes containing stabilised hypochlorous acid, povidone iodine, and alcohol-based or alcohol-free formulations were effective, while those containing hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine gluconate were not effective. These findings have important implications for infection control in dental settings and beyond.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Stephen R. Welch, Jessica R. Spengler, Sarah C. Genzer, Payel Chatterjee, Mike Flint, Eric Bergeron, Joel M. Montgomery, Stuart T. Nichol, Cesar G. Albarino, Christina F. Spiropoulou
Summary: A recombinant reporter virus system was developed to evaluate antiviral compounds against the highly pathogenic Lujo virus, identifying six compounds with robust anti-LUJV activity, including potential new pan-arenavirus antivirals. This provides critical evidence for developing broad-spectrum antivirals against high-consequence arenaviruses.
Article
Microbiology
Natasha L. Tilston-Lunel, Stephen R. Welch, Sham Nambulli, Rory D. de Vries, Gregory W. Ho, David E. Wentworth, Reed Shabman, Stuart T. Nichol, Christina F. Spiropoulou, Rik L. de Swart, Linda J. Rennick, W. Paul Duprex
Summary: This study successfully identified and generated Defective Interfering Particles (DIPs) for canine distemper virus in vitro, demonstrating their interference with viral replication and sustained replication in experimentally infected animals. The established pipeline for detection, generation, and assaying DIPs can be transferred to other highly pathogenic paramyxoviruses for further assessment of therapeutic effects.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Katherine Davies, Ulrike Arnold, Hubert Buczkowski, Christopher Burton, Stephen R. Welch, Nicole Green, Rhea Strachan, Tracy Beetar-King, Peter Spencer, Nipunadi Hettiarachchi, Matthew J. Hannah, Matthew Jones, Patricia A. Cane, Christine B. Bruce, Neil Woodford, Allen D. G. Roberts, Marian J. Killip
Summary: The study evaluated the inactivation effectiveness of 24 next-generation nucleic acid extraction lysis buffers and 12 rapid antigen test buffers against SARS-CoV-2, highlighting significant safety implications for diagnostic testing of COVID-19 and supporting evidence-based risk assessment and procedure design.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Stephen R. Welch, Jessica R. Spengler, Jessica R. Harmon, Joann D. Coleman-McCray, Florine E. M. Scholte, Sarah C. Genzer, Michael K. Lo, Joel M. Montgomery, Stuart T. Nichol, Christina F. Spiropoulou
Summary: This study demonstrates that treatment with virus-like particles containing defective interfering particles (DIs) can significantly improve the clinical course and outcome of viral disease, supporting the development of this approach for treating high-consequence viral pathogens.
Article
Microbiology
Catalina Forero, Jana M. Ritter, Josilene Nascimento Seixas, JoAnn D. Coleman-McCray, Marie Brake, Jillian A. Condrey, Cassandra Tansey, Stephen R. Welch, Sarah C. Genzer, Jessica R. Spengler
Summary: Syrian hamsters are important animal models for studying SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses. It has been found that higher instillation volumes may result in aspiration of foreign material, leading to histopathological changes in the respiratory tract.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Stephen R. Welch, Jessica R. Spengler, Sarah C. Genzer, JoAnn D. Coleman-McCray, Jessica R. Harmon, Teresa E. Sorvillo, Florine E. M. Scholte, Sergio E. Rodriguez, T. Justin O'Neal, Jana M. Ritter, Georgia Ficarra, Katherine A. Davies, Markus H. Kainulainen, Elif Karaaslan, Eric Bergeron, Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Michael K. Lo, Stuart T. Nichol, Joel M. Montgomery, Christina F. Spiropoulou
Summary: The study demonstrates the clinical impact of a novel NiV-derived nonspreading replicon particle as a highly efficacious and safe vaccine candidate against lethal Nipah disease.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jessica R. Spengler, Stephen R. Welch, Florine E. M. Scholte, Sergio E. Rodriguez, Jessica R. Harmon, Joann D. Coleman-McCray, Stuart T. Nichol, Joel M. Montgomery, Eric Bergeron, Christina F. Spiropoulou
Summary: The VRP vaccine provides complete protection against CCHFV when administered 28 days before challenge, and also shows efficacy in protecting mice at different intervals relative to challenge. This supports the utility of the VRP vaccine for rapid vaccination protocols to mitigate CCHFV spread and severe outcomes.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2021)
