The NIAID Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS) is an integrated network of centers designed to conduct prospective animal and/or human surveillance related research internationally and domestically, and to conduct research on host immune response, viral pathogenesis, and the factors that control the emergence and transmission of influenza viruses. The DMID-CROMS CEIRS Website… Read more »
News
Enhanced immune responses by skin vaccination in young hosts
NIAID CEIRS | Research Publication Commentary Koutsonanos, D. G., et al. Enhanced immune responses by skin vaccination with influenza subunit vaccine in young hosts. Vaccine. 2015 Mar 03 Young children are one of the most susceptible populations to influenza and on average represent approximately 20,000 hospitalizations and over 100 deaths due to influenza in the… Read more »
Behind the Bench: Robert Webster, A Remarkably InFLUential Career
The CEIRS Website is excited to announce a new column, Behind the Bench (BTB). BTB publishes articles written by CEIRS network graduate students and postdoctoral fellows sharing their perspective on influenza-related news, scientific accomplishments, and other issues of interest to the influenza community. Our inaugural column is written by Dr. Jeremy Jones, a postdoctoral fellow in… Read more »
Retirement celebration for Robert G. Webster, PhD
The retirement of influential influenza researcher Dr. Robert Webster was marked by several celebrations held January 25-26, 2015 in Memphis at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Dr. Gillian Air, a longtime collaborator of Dr. Webster, wrote a recap of the celebration. I was honored to attend the retirement celebrations for the renowned influenza virologist Dr…. Read more »
Preexisting human antibodies neutralize recently emerged H7N9 influenza strains
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 »
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 »