NIAID CEIRS | Research Publication Commentary Dunand, CJ et al. Preexisting human antibodies neutralize recently emerged H7N9 influenza strains. J Clin Invest. 2015 Feb 17. Novel influenza strains emerge naturally from selective pressure and genetic reassortment, a process in which different virus strains will infect the same animal and exchange genetic material (RNA segments). Genetic… Read more »
News
Potential antigenic explanation for atypical H1N1 infections among middle-aged adults during the 2013-2014 influenza season
NIAID CEIRS | Research Publication Commentary Linderman SL et al. Potential antigenic explanation for atypical H1N1 infections among middle-aged adults during the 2013-2014 influenza season. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2014 Nov 4. Influenza viruses have been known to most seriously affect children and the elderly due to their weaker immune systems. During the 2013-2014… Read more »
Seasonal influenza vaccination correlates to cross-reactive antibody responses in bird handlers
NIAID CEIRS | Research Publication Commentary Oshansky CM et al. Seasonal influenza vaccination is the strongest correlate of cross-reactive antibody responses in migratory bird handlers. mBio. 2014 Dec 9. Vaccines are a powerful and effective tool to combat influenza outbreaks and are routinely used to protect humans from seasonal influenza infections. Novel influenza strains of… Read more »
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Detected in Oregon and Washington States
Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the presence of two strains of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus, H5N2 and H5N8, in Oregon and Washington States in migratory water fowl, a captive bird, and a backyard poultry flock. HPAI viruses circulate in wild aquatic birds, often without causing overt disease, but are highly… Read more »
Genome sequence of the ferret facilitates study of human respiratory disease
NIAID CEIRS | Research Publication Commentary Peng X et al. The draft genome sequence of the ferret (Mustela putorius furo) facilitates study of human respiratory disease. Nat Biotechnol. 2014 Nov 17. Animal models of human disease have long been important tools for the study of disease pathophysiology and to develop effective therapies. Ferrets (Mustela putorius… Read more »
MVA-based influenza virus H7 vaccine protects against H7N9 infection
NIAID CEIRS | Research Publication Commentary Kreijtz JH et al. A single immunization with an MVA-based influenza virus H7 vaccine affords protection in the H7N9 pneumonia ferret model. J Infect Dis. 2014 Sep 22. Effective influenza vaccination strategies will be key to controlling the spread of a pandemic. However, a pandemic vaccine cannot be manufactured… Read more »
CEIRS Surveillance Meeting, 25-26 October 2014
Over 50 researchers, representing the five CEIRS Centers and their affiliates, came together in October for a 2-day CEIRS Surveillance Meeting at the Broad Institute in Cambridge, MA. The goal of the meeting was to discuss and establish priorities for surveillance activities being conducted within the CEIRS Network. The meeting was organized by Dr. Jon… Read more »
Launch of CEIRS Training Program
The CEIRS Training Executive Committee is pleased to announce the launch of the CEIRS Training Program. The Training Program will provide opportunities for pre-doctoral students and post-doctoral fellows to: Acquire new techniques and research experience; Strengthen collaborations; Increase research capacity; and Expand the infrastructure of the CEIRS Network A CEIRS Training Executive Committee has been… Read more »
Kawaoka wins Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award
Yoshihiro Kawaoka, DVM, PhD, was awarded a 2014 Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award for his research on pandemic influenza. Popular Mechanics editor-in-chief said Kawaoka was selected because his work could “help protect humanity” from potential influenza pandemics. Kawaoka, along with the other award recipients, was recognized at a reception in New York City on October 7,… Read more »
Osterholm awarded McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair in Public Health
CIDRAP Director Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH, was awarded one of the University of Minnesota’s highest faculty honors, a McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair in Public Health. This award honors faculty for their research accomplishments and contributions for advancing the University’s missions of research, education, and public engagement. Dr. Osterholm founded CIDRAP in 2001 and is currently… Read more »