LGVH - Virology News

Viriology News (March 2025)

Welcome to the Virology News section of our laboratory's website, where we provide the latest updates and insights on groundbreaking discoveries, research advancements, and global developments in the field of virology. This section serves as a hub for both the scientific community and the public to stay informed about emerging viruses, innovations in diagnostics and treatment, and the evolving understanding of viral behavior and pandemic preparedness. Our goal is to foster knowledge sharing, promote public health awareness, and highlight the critical role virology plays in addressing global health challenges.

Antiviral Susceptibility of Influenza A(H5N1) (Mar 2025).

During 2023–2024, highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses from clade 2.3.2.1c were responsible for human infections in Cambodia, while those from clade 2.3.4.4b led to cases in the Americas. Researchers evaluated the susceptibility of these viruses to antiviral treatments. All Cambodian isolates were responsive to M2 ion channel blockers. All viruses were susceptible to neuraminidase inhibitors, including oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, laninamivir, and AV5080. However, oseltamivir was approximately four times less effective for clade 2.3.4.4b viruses. All viruses exhibited susceptibility to polymerase inhibitors baloxavir and tivoxavir, and to the polymerase basic 2 inhibitor pimodivir.

Should circular RNA be considered a viroid (Mar 2025).

Viroids are small, circular infectious RNA molecules primarily linked to plant diseases and have been extensively studied in molecular biology. They are categorized into two families based on their replication sites and the host factors involved. Both families employ a rolling-circle replication mechanism. The Pospiviroidae family, which includes the potato spindle tuber viroid, replicates in the nucleus with the assistance of host enzymes such as DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II, DNA ligase I, and RNase III. Conversely, viroids from the Avsunviroidae family, such as eggplant latent viroid and peach latent mosaic viroid (PLMVd), replicate within the chloroplast.

Resurgence of common respiratory pathogens (Jan 2025).

This article reports the resurgence of common respiratory viruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae among children after ending the zero-COVID policy in Shanghai China from January 2022 to December 2023. A total of 8550 patients were enrolled (6170 patients in 2023 and 2380 in 2022). Rhinovirus (14.2%) was the dominant pathogen in 2022, however, Mycoplasma pneumoniae (38.8%) was the dominant pathogen in 2023.

Phenotypic evolution of SARS-CoV-2 spike (Jan 2025).

SARS-CoV-2 variants are primarily defined by mutations in their spike protein, influencing virus phenotypes. To study this, researchers created recombinant viruses with spike proteins from 27 variants circulating between 2020 and 2024. They found that post-Omicron variants retained enhanced nasal and airway tropism while also regaining traits typical of pre-Omicron variants, suggesting future variants may combine these features.

Sustained virologic suppression of HIV with anti-CD4 antibody (Jan 2025).

Managing multidrug-resistant (MDR) HIV remains challenging. A 58-year-old male with MDR HIV and Kaposi sarcoma (KS) was treated with UB-421, an anti-CD4 antibody, and lenacapavir, a capsid inhibitor. This regimen achieved sustained plasma viremia suppression, increased CD4+ T cells, and showed no resistance development. KS improved with additional liposomal doxorubicin and pembrolizumab treatments. The case highlights UB-421's potential in combination therapies for MDR HIV.

Herpes virus (HSV-1) might drive Alzheimer's pathology (Jan 2025).

University of Pittsburgh researchers uncovered a surprising link between Alzheimer's disease and herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), suggesting that viral infections may play a role in the disease. The study results are published today in Cell Reports.

Single H5N1 mutation in surface protein enhances human infection (Dec 2024).

New research suggests that a single alteration in the surface protein of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, which is presently affecting U.S. dairy cows, could enhance its ability to spread among humans. These findings underscore the critical importance of maintaining vigilant surveillance and monitoring of HPAI H5N1 for genetic mutations that might increase its transmissibility in humans.

BKPyV replication and renal transplant (Dec 2024).

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have identified new aspects of BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) replication that challenge previous understandings and reveal potential drug targets to combat the virus, a major cause of kidney transplant failure. A single-cell analysis of BKPyV infection in primary kidney cells provided insights that could lead to effective treatments, as reported in PLOS Pathogens.

Dr. Placide Mbala and the African Monkeypox outbreak (Dec 2024).

Earlier this year, a deadly outbreak of mpox swept through Central Africa, claiming hundreds of lives. Placide Mbala, an epidemiologist at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in the DRC, described the situation as a case of "scientific amnesia" following the 2022 outbreak. Leading a research team, Mbala identified a concerning cluster of cases among young adults and sex workers in eastern DRC. The team warned of the virus's rapid spread and urged health officials in the DRC and neighboring countries to prepare containment strategies.

real-time forecasting of West Nile virus outbreaks (Dec 2024).

This study presents a real-time prediction system for West Nile virus (WNV) outbreaks, incorporating an adapted compartment model to capture transmission dynamics among birds, mosquitoes, and humans, including asymptomatic cases and weather influences. Using data assimilation techniques, weekly WNV case forecasts were generated for Colorado in 2023, offering actionable insights for public health planning. The integration of weather variables significantly improved forecast accuracy, as demonstrated by comparative analyses.

Marburg infection scare in Hamburg Germany (Oct 2024).

Two passengers suspected of carrying the highly contagious and lethal Marburg virus caused a scare at Hamburg’s main train station when a 26-year-old medical student and his girlfriend developed flu-like symptoms during their journey from Frankfurt. Emergency crews in protective gear evacuated passengers and closed tracks for several hours. The student, who had recently traveled from Rwanda, where a Marburg virus outbreak is ongoing, contacted emergency services after experiencing mild vomiting. Both were taken to Eppendorf University Hospital for further testing, while their luggage was impounded. Rwanda has reported 26 cases and eight deaths from the virus, which is spread through bodily fluids and has a high mortality rate. The two people were transported to a department specializing in highly contagious infectious diseases at the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf where they tested negative for the Marburg virus.

Fruit-only diet improves bats' immune response to viruses (Sep 2024).

This study explores how diet and environmental factors influence the immune response of Jamaican fruit bats (Artibeus jamaicensis) and their role in virus spillover events to humans. Bats, common reservoirs of zoonotic viruses, generally show weaker antibody responses compared to other mammals. By exposing bats and mice to well-characterized antigens, researchers found bats had a weaker and more diverse antibody response. Notably, fruit bats on a fruit-only diet had higher antibody levels and better virus-binding ability than those on a protein-supplemented diet. The study also found that food shortages and stress can enhance antibody responses in wild bats. These results suggest diet changes can affect bat immunity, offering insights into preventing virus spillovers.

Bovine H5N1 influenza virus in the Americas (Sep 2024).

Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) viruses can occasionally infect mammals, though transmission between them is rare. In the spring of 2024, however, the USA experienced an unprecedented outbreak of HPAI H5N1 in cattle herds, where the virus spread within and between herds, as well as to poultry, cats, and humans, raising concerns about increased public health risks. This study investigates an HPAI H5N1 virus isolated from cow milk in mice and ferrets. The virus spread systemically in both species, including to the mammary glands, a pattern similar to earlier HPAI H5N1 isolates. Notably, the bovine H5N1 virus demonstrated an ability to bind to sialic acids present in the human upper respiratory tract and showed limited transmission potential in ferrets, as one out of four exposed ferrets seroconverted without direct virus detection. These findings suggest that the bovine H5N1 virus has characteristics that may enhance its capacity to infect and spread among mammals.

Novel virus discovery, Amugulang virus transmitted rodents in China (Sep 2024).

In 2017, the ICTV reclassified Bunyaviridae as Bunyavirales, and in 2024, further elevated it to the class Bunyaviricetes, with Hantaviridae as a key family. Despite these updates, the term "hantavirus" remains commonly used. Hantaviridae members have segmented RNA genomes and can infect various hosts, though only rodent-borne hantaviruses are linked to human diseases like hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). By November 2023, 75 hantaviruses had been identified, with 25 associated with human disease, including Hantaan and Andes viruses, both of which have varying fatality rates. The discovery of new strains, such as Puumala virus (PUUV) in Europe and Asia, underscores the ongoing public health risk. While many hantaviruses are harmless to humans, continuous reclassification is essential for understanding their evolving diversity. This study introduces a new hantavirus, Amugulang virus, identified through metagenomic sequencing, further expanding our knowledge of hantavirus diversity.

Novel virus discovery, Kinna virus (KIV) tick-borne Bandavirus in Kenya (Sep 2024).

This study reports the discovery of a novel virus, tentatively named Kinna virus (KIV), from Amblyomma gemma ticks in Isiolo County, Kenya. High throughput sequencing revealed that KIV is closely related to the Guertu virus and shares the typical genome structure of Bandavirus species. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed KIV as a distinct virus, with its RdRp amino acid sequence showing 93.3% identity to Guertu virus, suggesting it is likely a new species. Neutralizing antibodies against KIV were found in 38.6% of human sera samples from the local population. In vivo experiments showed that the virus was lethal to mice, and it infected mammalian cells but had reduced infectivity in mosquito cell lines. The discovery of KIV, with its potential to cause disease in humans and animals, underscores the need for evaluating its public health impact and the importance of continuous surveillance of vectors and humans in high-risk areas to monitor pathogen diversity.

Global spread of emerging tick-borne Alongshan virus (ALSV) in China (Sep 2024).

Alongshan virus (ALSV), a tick-borne virus associated with human disease, was first identified in northeastern China. More recent studies have reported its presence in various mammalian and arthropod hosts in countries beyond Asia, and genome sequencing data is now available. ALSV belongs to the Jingmenvirus group, closely related to the Flaviviridae family. Its RNA genome is unique, being segmented into four parts, with two segments resembling the NS3 and NS5 regions of non-segmented flaviviruses. The transmission of arthropod-borne pathogens is likely to increase due to environmental changes and expanding human encroachment into wildlife habitats. This review covers ALSV's global distribution, emergence patterns, genetic diversity, evolution, and its potential impact on urbanization and global health.

Novel virus discovery, Arctic wolf parvovirus (AWPV) in China (Sep 2024).

This study reports the discovery of a novel virus, tentatively named Kinna virus (KIV), from Amblyomma gemma ticks in Isiolo County, Kenya. High throughput sequencing revealed that KIV is closely related to the Guertu virus and shares the typical genome structure of Bandavirus species. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed KIV as a distinct virus, with its RdRp amino acid sequence showing 93.3% identity to Guertu virus, suggesting it is likely a new species. Neutralizing antibodies against KIV were found in 38.6% of human sera samples from the local population. In vivo experiments showed that the virus was lethal to mice, and it infected mammalian cells but had reduced infectivity in mosquito cell lines. The discovery of KIV, with its potential to cause disease in humans and animals, underscores the need for evaluating its public health impact and the importance of continuous surveillance of vectors and humans in high-risk areas to monitor pathogen diversity.

Antiviral Susceptibility of Influenza A(H5N1) (Mar 2025). During 2023–2024, highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses from clade 2.3.2.1c were responsible for human infections in Cambodia, while those from clade 2.3.4.4b led to cases in the Americas. Researchers evaluated the susceptibility of these viruses to antiviral treatments. All Cambodian isolates were responsive to M2 ion channel blockers. All viruses were susceptible to neuraminidase inhibitors, including oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, laninamivir, and AV5080. However, oseltamivir was approximately four times less effective for clade 2.3.4.4b viruses. All viruses exhibited susceptibility to polymerase inhibitors baloxavir and tivoxavir, and to the polymerase basic 2 inhibitor pimodivir.
Should circular RNA be considered a viroid (Mar 2025). Viroids are small, circular infectious RNA molecules primarily linked to plant diseases and have been extensively studied in molecular biology. They are categorized into two families based on their replication sites and the host factors involved. Both families employ a rolling-circle replication mechanism. The Pospiviroidae family, which includes the potato spindle tuber viroid, replicates in the nucleus with the assistance of host enzymes such as DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II, DNA ligase I, and RNase III. Conversely, viroids from the Avsunviroidae family, such as eggplant latent viroid and peach latent mosaic viroid (PLMVd), replicate within the chloroplast.
Resurgence of common respiratory pathogens (Jan 2025). This article reports the resurgence of common respiratory viruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae among children after ending the zero-COVID policy in Shanghai China from January 2022 to December 2023. A total of 8550 patients were enrolled (6170 patients in 2023 and 2380 in 2022). Rhinovirus (14.2%) was the dominant pathogen in 2022, however, Mycoplasma pneumoniae (38.8%) was the dominant pathogen in 2023.
Phenotypic evolution of SARS-CoV-2 spike (Jan 2025). SARS-CoV-2 variants are primarily defined by mutations in their spike protein, influencing virus phenotypes. To study this, researchers created recombinant viruses with spike proteins from 27 variants circulating between 2020 and 2024. They found that post-Omicron variants retained enhanced nasal and airway tropism while also regaining traits typical of pre-Omicron variants, suggesting future variants may combine these features.
Sustained virologic suppression of HIV with anti-CD4 antibody (Jan 2025). Managing multidrug-resistant (MDR) HIV remains challenging. A 58-year-old male with MDR HIV and Kaposi sarcoma (KS) was treated with UB-421, an anti-CD4 antibody, and lenacapavir, a capsid inhibitor. This regimen achieved sustained plasma viremia suppression, increased CD4+ T cells, and showed no resistance development. KS improved with additional liposomal doxorubicin and pembrolizumab treatments. The case highlights UB-421's potential in combination therapies for MDR HIV.
Herpes virus (HSV-1) might drive Alzheimer's pathology (Jan 2025). University of Pittsburgh researchers uncovered a surprising link between Alzheimer's disease and herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), suggesting that viral infections may play a role in the disease. The study results are published today in Cell Reports.
Single H5N1 mutation in surface protein enhances human infection (Dec 2024). New research suggests that a single alteration in the surface protein of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, which is presently affecting U.S. dairy cows, could enhance its ability to spread among humans. These findings underscore the critical importance of maintaining vigilant surveillance and monitoring of HPAI H5N1 for genetic mutations that might increase its transmissibility in humans.
BKPyV replication and renal transplant (Dec 2024). Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have identified new aspects of BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) replication that challenge previous understandings and reveal potential drug targets to combat the virus, a major cause of kidney transplant failure. A single-cell analysis of BKPyV infection in primary kidney cells provided insights that could lead to effective treatments, as reported in PLOS Pathogens.
Dr. Placide Mbala and the African Monkeypox outbreak (Dec 2024). Earlier this year, a deadly outbreak of mpox swept through Central Africa, claiming hundreds of lives. Placide Mbala, an epidemiologist at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in the DRC, described the situation as a case of "scientific amnesia" following the 2022 outbreak. Leading a research team, Mbala identified a concerning cluster of cases among young adults and sex workers in eastern DRC. The team warned of the virus's rapid spread and urged health officials in the DRC and neighboring countries to prepare containment strategies.
real-time forecasting of West Nile virus outbreaks (Dec 2024). This study presents a real-time prediction system for West Nile virus (WNV) outbreaks, incorporating an adapted compartment model to capture transmission dynamics among birds, mosquitoes, and humans, including asymptomatic cases and weather influences. Using data assimilation techniques, weekly WNV case forecasts were generated for Colorado in 2023, offering actionable insights for public health planning. The integration of weather variables significantly improved forecast accuracy, as demonstrated by comparative analyses.
Marburg infection scare in Hamburg Germany (Oct 2024). Two passengers suspected of carrying the highly contagious and lethal Marburg virus caused a scare at Hamburg’s main train station when a 26-year-old medical student and his girlfriend developed flu-like symptoms during their journey from Frankfurt. Emergency crews in protective gear evacuated passengers and closed tracks for several hours. The student, who had recently traveled from Rwanda, where a Marburg virus outbreak is ongoing, contacted emergency services after experiencing mild vomiting. Both were taken to Eppendorf University Hospital for further testing, while their luggage was impounded. Rwanda has reported 26 cases and eight deaths from the virus, which is spread through bodily fluids and has a high mortality rate. The two people were transported to a department specializing in highly contagious infectious diseases at the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf where they tested negative for the Marburg virus.
Fruit-only diet improves bats' immune response to viruses (Sep 2024). This study explores how diet and environmental factors influence the immune response of Jamaican fruit bats (Artibeus jamaicensis) and their role in virus spillover events to humans. Bats, common reservoirs of zoonotic viruses, generally show weaker antibody responses compared to other mammals. By exposing bats and mice to well-characterized antigens, researchers found bats had a weaker and more diverse antibody response. Notably, fruit bats on a fruit-only diet had higher antibody levels and better virus-binding ability than those on a protein-supplemented diet. The study also found that food shortages and stress can enhance antibody responses in wild bats. These results suggest diet changes can affect bat immunity, offering insights into preventing virus spillovers.
Bovine H5N1 influenza virus in the Americas (Sep 2024). Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) viruses can occasionally infect mammals, though transmission between them is rare. In the spring of 2024, however, the USA experienced an unprecedented outbreak of HPAI H5N1 in cattle herds, where the virus spread within and between herds, as well as to poultry, cats, and humans, raising concerns about increased public health risks. This study investigates an HPAI H5N1 virus isolated from cow milk in mice and ferrets. The virus spread systemically in both species, including to the mammary glands, a pattern similar to earlier HPAI H5N1 isolates. Notably, the bovine H5N1 virus demonstrated an ability to bind to sialic acids present in the human upper respiratory tract and showed limited transmission potential in ferrets, as one out of four exposed ferrets seroconverted without direct virus detection. These findings suggest that the bovine H5N1 virus has characteristics that may enhance its capacity to infect and spread among mammals.
Novel virus discovery, Amugulang virus transmitted rodents in China (Sep 2024). In 2017, the ICTV reclassified Bunyaviridae as Bunyavirales, and in 2024, further elevated it to the class Bunyaviricetes, with Hantaviridae as a key family. Despite these updates, the term "hantavirus" remains commonly used. Hantaviridae members have segmented RNA genomes and can infect various hosts, though only rodent-borne hantaviruses are linked to human diseases like hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). By November 2023, 75 hantaviruses had been identified, with 25 associated with human disease, including Hantaan and Andes viruses, both of which have varying fatality rates. The discovery of new strains, such as Puumala virus (PUUV) in Europe and Asia, underscores the ongoing public health risk. While many hantaviruses are harmless to humans, continuous reclassification is essential for understanding their evolving diversity. This study introduces a new hantavirus, Amugulang virus, identified through metagenomic sequencing, further expanding our knowledge of hantavirus diversity.
Novel virus discovery, Kinna virus (KIV) tick-borne Bandavirus in Kenya (Sep 2024). This study reports the discovery of a novel virus, tentatively named Kinna virus (KIV), from Amblyomma gemma ticks in Isiolo County, Kenya. High throughput sequencing revealed that KIV is closely related to the Guertu virus and shares the typical genome structure of Bandavirus species. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed KIV as a distinct virus, with its RdRp amino acid sequence showing 93.3% identity to Guertu virus, suggesting it is likely a new species. Neutralizing antibodies against KIV were found in 38.6% of human sera samples from the local population. In vivo experiments showed that the virus was lethal to mice, and it infected mammalian cells but had reduced infectivity in mosquito cell lines. The discovery of KIV, with its potential to cause disease in humans and animals, underscores the need for evaluating its public health impact and the importance of continuous surveillance of vectors and humans in high-risk areas to monitor pathogen diversity.
Global spread of emerging tick-borne Alongshan virus (ALSV) in China (Sep 2024). Alongshan virus (ALSV), a tick-borne virus associated with human disease, was first identified in northeastern China. More recent studies have reported its presence in various mammalian and arthropod hosts in countries beyond Asia, and genome sequencing data is now available. ALSV belongs to the Jingmenvirus group, closely related to the Flaviviridae family. Its RNA genome is unique, being segmented into four parts, with two segments resembling the NS3 and NS5 regions of non-segmented flaviviruses. The transmission of arthropod-borne pathogens is likely to increase due to environmental changes and expanding human encroachment into wildlife habitats. This review covers ALSV's global distribution, emergence patterns, genetic diversity, evolution, and its potential impact on urbanization and global health.
Novel virus discovery, Arctic wolf parvovirus (AWPV) in China (Sep 2024). This study reports the discovery of a novel virus, tentatively named Kinna virus (KIV), from Amblyomma gemma ticks in Isiolo County, Kenya. High throughput sequencing revealed that KIV is closely related to the Guertu virus and shares the typical genome structure of Bandavirus species. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed KIV as a distinct virus, with its RdRp amino acid sequence showing 93.3% identity to Guertu virus, suggesting it is likely a new species. Neutralizing antibodies against KIV were found in 38.6% of human sera samples from the local population. In vivo experiments showed that the virus was lethal to mice, and it infected mammalian cells but had reduced infectivity in mosquito cell lines. The discovery of KIV, with its potential to cause disease in humans and animals, underscores the need for evaluating its public health impact and the importance of continuous surveillance of vectors and humans in high-risk areas to monitor pathogen diversity.