A5084216573- SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research
- Viral gastroenteritis research and epidemiology
- Animal Virus Infections Studies
- SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing
- Zoonotic diseases and public health
- CRISPR and Genetic Engineering
- RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms
- Bacillus and Francisella bacterial research
- Influenza Virus Research Studies
- interferon and immune responses
- Bat Biology and Ecology Studies
Imperial College London
2021-2023
St Mary's Hospital
2023
Abstract The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron/BA.1 lineage emerged in late 2021 and rapidly displaced the Delta variant before being overtaken itself globally by, Omicron/BA.2 early 2022. Here, we describe how Omicron BA.1 BA.2 show a lower severity phenotype hamster model of pathogenicity which maps specifically to spike gene. We further that is attenuated lung cell line but replicates more rapidly, albeit peak titres, human primary nasal cells. This replication also (including emerging BA.4) shows...
In early 2024, an unprecedented outbreak of H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza was detected in dairy cattle the USA. The epidemic remains uncontrolled, with spillbacks into poultry, wild birds and other mammals including humans. Here, we present molecular virological evidence that B3.13 genotype viruses rapidly accumulated adaptations polymerase genes enabled better replication bovine cells, as well cells mammalian species humans pigs. We find several gained evolution these PB2 M631L,...
SARS-CoV-2 has a broad mammalian species tropism infecting humans, cats, dogs, and farmed mink. Since the start of 2019 pandemic, several reverse zoonotic outbreaks have occurred in mink, one which reinfected humans caused cluster infections Denmark. Here we investigate molecular basis mink ferret adaptation demonstrate spike mutations Y453F, F486L, N501T all specifically adapt to use mustelid ACE2. Furthermore, risk assess these conclude mink-adapted viruses are unlikely pose an increased...
Abstract Chickens genetically resistant to avian influenza could prevent future outbreaks. In chickens, A virus (IAV) relies on host protein ANP32A. Here we use CRISPR/Cas9 generate homozygous gene edited (GE) chickens containing two ANP32A amino acid substitutions that viral polymerase interaction. After IAV challenge, 9/10 remain uninfected. Challenge with a higher dose, however, led breakthrough infections. Breakthrough contained mutations conferred adaptation the chicken Unexpectedly,...
There has been limited characterisation of bat-borne coronaviruses in Europe. Here, we screened for 48 faecal samples from 16 the 17 bat species breeding UK, collected through a rehabilitation and conservationist network. We recovered nine complete genomes, including two novel coronavirus species, across six species: four alphacoronaviruses, MERS-related betacoronavirus, closely related sarbecoviruses. demonstrate that at least one these sarbecoviruses can bind use human ACE2 receptor...
Abstract There has been limited characterisation of bat-borne coronaviruses in Europe. Here, we screened for 48 faecal samples from 16 the 17 bat species breeding UK, collected through a rehabilitation and conservationist network. We recovered nine (two novel) complete genomes across six species: four alphacoronaviruses, MERS-related betacoronavirus, closely related sarbecoviruses. demonstrate that at least one these sarbecoviruses can bind use human ACE2 receptor infecting cells, albeit...
Abstract SARS-CoV-2 has a broad mammalian species tropism infecting humans, cats, dogs and farmed mink. Since the start of 2019 pandemic several reverse zoonotic outbreaks have occurred in mink, one which reinfected humans caused cluster infections Denmark. Here we investigate molecular basis mink ferret adaptation demonstrate spike mutations Y453F, F486L, N501T all specifically adapt to use mustelid ACE2. Furthermore, risk assess these conclude mink-adapted viruses are unlikely pose an...
Abstract SARS-CoV-2 has a broad mammalian species tropism infecting humans, cats, dogs and farmed mink. Since the start of 2019 pandemic several reverse zoonotic outbreaks have occurred in mink, one which reinfected humans caused cluster infections Denmark. Here we investigate molecular basis mink ferret adaptation demonstrate spike mutations Y453F, F486L, N501T all specifically adapt to use mustelid ACE2. Furthermore, risk assess these conclude mink-adapted viruses are unlikely pose an...