Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Peter Halfmann
Characterization of Immune Responses to RBD-SD1 Nanoparticle Vaccines Derived From ACE2-Capable HKU5-CoV-2, NeoCoV, and HKU5 Merbecoviruses
1 Introduction Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a large family of enveloped RNA viruses that infect a wide range of mammals and avian species, causing illnesses that span from mild respiratory symptoms to severe pneumonia. Among the CoVs that infect humans, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), MERS-CoV, and the recently emerged SARS-CoV-2 have demonstrated that these CoVs can pose significant public health risks.
Characterization and immunogenicity of nanoparticle vaccines displaying embecovirus spike proteins
Virus-like particle vaccines displaying spike proteins from OC43, HKU1 A, and HKU1 B were evaluated in mice for their ability to elicit antibodies against the spike proteins from OC43, HKU1 A, HKU1 B...
RBD‐SD1 Nanoparticle Vaccines From DPP4‐Using Merbecoviruses Elicit a Cross‐Reactive Antibody Response but Limited Cross‐Protective Immunity
1 Introduction Merbecoviruses form a subset of the Betacoronavirus genus that includes the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), which emerged in 2012 and caused severe respiratory disease with a case fatality rate of approximately 36% (World Health Organization [WHO] 2025).
Platelet-like particles released from Ebola virus-infected megakaryocytic cells behave like virus-like particles
Loading metrics Open Access Peer-reviewed Research Article ? This is an uncorrected proof. Citation: Kuroda M, Halfmann PJ (2026) Platelet-like particles released from Ebola virus-infected megakaryocytic cells behave like virus-like particles. PLoS Pathog 22(2): e1013985.
SARS-CoV-2 virus lacking the envelope and membrane open-reading frames as a vaccine platform - Nature Communications
Abstract To address the need for broadly protective SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, we developed an attenuated a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine virus that lacks the open reading frames of two viral structural proteins: the envelope (E) and membrane (M) proteins. This vaccine virus (ΔEM) replicates in a cell line stably expressing E and M but not in wild-type cells. Vaccination with ΔEM elicits a CD8 T-cell response against the viral spike and nucleocapsid proteins.
Anti-Ebola virus mAb 3A6 protects highly viremic animals from fatal outcome via binding GP(1,2) in a position elevated from the virion membrane - Nature Communications
Abstract Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Ebola virus (EBOV) glycoprotein (GP1,2) are the standard of care for Ebola virus disease (EVD). Anti-GP1,2 mAbs targeting the stalk and membrane proximal external region (MPER) potently neutralize EBOV in vitro and are protective in a mouse model of EVD. However, their neutralization mechanism is poorly understood because they target a GP1,2 epitope that has evaded structural characterization.
Multivalent S2 subunit vaccines provide broad protection against Clade 1 sarbecoviruses in female mice - Nature Communications
Abstract The continuing emergence of immune evasive SARS-CoV-2 variants and the previous SARS-CoV-1 outbreak collectively underscore the need for broadly protective sarbecovirus vaccines. Targeting the conserved S2 subunit of SARS-CoV-2 is a particularly promising approach to elicit broad protection. Here, we describe a nanoparticle vaccine displaying multiple copies of the SARS-CoV-1 S2 subunit.
A human isolate of bovine H5N1 is transmissible and lethal in animal models - Nature
Abstract The outbreak of clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 subtype (HPAI H5N1) in dairy cows in the US has so far resulted in spillover infections of at least thirteen farm workers1-3, who presented with mild respiratory symptoms or conjunctivitis, and one individual with no known animal exposure who was hospitalized but recovered3,4.
Pathogenicity and transmissibility of bovine H5N1 influenza virus - Nature
Abstract Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) viruses occasionally infect, but typically do not transmit, in mammals. In the Spring of 2024, an unprecedented outbreak of HPAI H5N1 in bovine herds occurred in the US, with virus spread within and between herds, infections in poultry and cats, and spillover into humans, collectively indicating an increased public health risk1-4. Here, we characterized an HPAI H5N1 virus isolated from infected cow milk in mice and ferrets.
Broad protection against clade 1 sarbecoviruses after a single immunization with cocktail spike-protein-nanoparticle vaccine - Nature Communications
Abstract The 2002 SARS outbreak, the 2019 emergence of COVID-19, and the continuing evolution of immune-evading SARS-CoV-2 variants together highlight the need for a broadly protective vaccine against ACE2-utilizing sarbecoviruses. While updated variant-matched formulations are a step in the right direction, protection needs to extend beyond SARS-CoV-2 and its variants to include SARS-like viruses.
Host range, transmissibility and antigenicity of a pangolin coronavirus - Nature Microbiology
Abstract The pathogenic and cross-species transmission potential of SARS-CoV-2-related coronaviruses (CoVs) remain poorly characterized. Here we recovered a wild-type pangolin (Pg) CoV GD strain including derivatives encoding reporter genes using reverse genetics. In primary human cells, PgCoV replicated efficiently but with reduced fitness and showed less efficient transmission via airborne route compared with SARS-CoV-2 in hamsters.
Defining Distinct RNA-Protein Interactomes of SARS-CoV-2 Genomic and Subgenomic RNAs
Download Hi-Res ImageDownload to MS-PowerPointCite This:J. Proteome Res. 2023, XXXX, XXX Isabella T. Whitworth Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Letters and Sciences, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States , Rachel A.
Broad Protection Against Clade 1 Sarbecoviruses After a Single Immunization with Cocktail Spike-Protein-Nanoparticle Vaccine
This is a preprint. It has not yet been peer reviewed by a journal. The National Library of Medicine is running a pilot to include preprints that result from research funded by NIH in PMC and PubMed. Display options Abstract The 2002 SARS outbreak, the 2019 emergence of COVID-19, and the continuing evolution of immune-evading SARS-CoV-2 variants together highlight the need for a broadly protective vaccine against ACE2-utilizing sarbecoviruses.
Defining distinct RNA-protein interactomes of SARS-CoV-2 genomic and subgenomic RNAs
Thank you for your interest in spreading the word about bioRxiv. NOTE: Your email address is requested solely to identify you as the sender of this article. Your Email * Your Name * Send To * Enter multiple addresses on separate lines or separate them with commas. Message Subject (Your Name) has forwarded a page to you from bioRxiv Message Body (Your Name) thought you would like to see this page from the bioRxiv website.
Sensitivity of rapid antigen tests for Omicron subvariants of SARS‐CoV‐2
4 DISCUSSION We compared the sensitivity for the Omicron variants of six RATs approved for general use and a RAT approved for clinical use by the Japanese regulatory authority and available in Japan. All RATs for general use detected at least 75 000 pfu of all variants tested.
Site of vulnerability on SARS-CoV-2 spike induces broadly protective antibody against antigenically distinct Omicron subvariants
Abstract The rapid evolution of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variants has emphasized the need to identify antibodies with broad neutralizing capabilities to inform future monoclonal therapies and vaccination strategies.
Reduced airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 BA.1 Omicron virus in Syrian hamsters
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused hundreds of millions of infections worldwide with more than 6.5 million confirmed deaths. SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory virus that predominantly infects the epithelium of the upper and lower respiratory tract of human and animal hosts. Transmission of respiratory viruses between hosts can occur via direct contact, contact with infected surfaces, or via aerosolized particles [1].
In Vitro Efficacy of Antiviral Agents against Omicron Subvariant BA.4.6
To the Editor: As of September 2022, the BA.5 subvariant of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) B.1.1.529 (omicron) variant has become dominant in most countries around the world. However, the prevalence of the BA.4.6 subvariant is increasing in the United States.1 BA.4.6 and BA.5 share the same amino acid substitutions in the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein, which is the major target for vaccines and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.
Multivalent S2-based vaccines provide broad protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and pangolin coronaviruses
Summary Background The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most approved COVID-19 vaccines generate a neutralizing antibody response that primarily targets the highly variable receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. SARS-CoV-2 “variants of concern” have acquired mutations in this domain allowing them to evade vaccine-induced humoral immunity.
Efficacy of Antiviral Agents against the Omicron Subvariant BA.2.75
To the Editor: Five sublineages of the B.1.1.529 (omicron) variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) — BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4, and BA.5 — are recognized, and BA.5 is currently the predominant variant circulating globally.1 In India and Nepal, however, the prevalence of a subvariant of BA.2 (designated BA.2.75) is increasing rapidly and is now becoming dominant in Nepal.2 Moreover, BA.2.75 has been detected in at least 25 other countries, including the United...
Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.75 clinical isolates
Thank you for your interest in spreading the word about bioRxiv. NOTE: Your email address is requested solely to identify you as the sender of this article. Your Email * Your Name * Send To * Enter multiple addresses on separate lines or separate them with commas. Message Subject (Your Name) has forwarded a page to you from bioRxiv Message Body (Your Name) thought you would like to see this page from the bioRxiv website.
Efficacy of Antibodies and Antiviral Drugs against Omicron BA.2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5 Subvariants
To the Editor: As of June 2022, the B.1.1.529 (omicron) variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been divided into five distinct sublineages: BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4, and BA.5.1 Most circulating omicron variants belong to sublineage BA.2; however, the prevalence of BA.2.12.1 (a subvariant of BA.2), BA.4, and BA.5 is increasing rapidly in several regions of the world.2 Previous studies have shown that the BA.2 subvariants have sensitivities to some monoclonal...
Resilience of S309 and AZD7442 monoclonal antibody treatments against infection by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron lineage strains - Nature Communications
Abstract Omicron variant strains encode large numbers of changes in the spike protein compared to historical SARS-CoV-2 isolates. Although in vitro studies have suggested that several monoclonal antibody therapies lose neutralizing activity against Omicron variants, the effects in vivo remain largely unknown.
Characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.621 (Mu) variant
Information Published In Science Translational Medicine First Release Copyright Copyright © 2022 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution license, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Nasally-delivered interferon-λ protects mice against infection by SARS-CoV-2 variants including Omicron
HIGHLIGHTS • IFN-λ protects mice against SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351 and B.1.1.529 variant infections • IFN-λ selectively induces antiviral genes without causing excess inflammation • IFN-λ is produced by lung epithelial cells via Mavs and Myd88 signaling pathways • Stromal cells mediate the antiviral effect of IFN-λ during SARS-CoV-2 infection SUMMARY Although vaccines and monoclonal antibody countermeasures have reduced the morbidity and mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, variants with...
Evolution of a globally unique SARS-CoV-2 Spike E484T monoclonal antibody escape mutation in a persistently infected, immunocompromised individual
Abstract Prolonged infections in immunocompromised individuals may be a source for novel SARS-CoV-2 variants, particularly when both the immune system and antiviral therapy fail to clear the infection, thereby promoting adaptation. Here we describe an approximately 16-month case of SARS-CoV-2 infection in an immunocompromised individual.
Efficacy of vaccination and previous infection against the Omicron BA.1 variant in Syrian hamsters
HIGHLIGHTS • Moderna-vaccinated hamsters are more susceptible to BA.1 than to an early isolate • BA.1 replicates less efficiently than an early isolate in the lungs of hamsters • Prior infection does not prevent BA.1 replication in the nasal turbinates of hamsters • Prior infection does prevent BA.1 replication in the lungs of hamsters SUMMARY The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant with a surprising number of spike mutations raises concerns about reduced sensitivity of...
Efficacy of Antiviral Agents against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Subvariant BA.2
5 Citing Articles Related Articles To the Editor: The omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), has spread rapidly around the world and has already become the predominant variant circulating in many countries.
Long-term, infection-acquired immunity against the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant in a hamster model Original
HIGHLIGHTS • Human vaccinee serum neutralizing titers are reduced against SARS-CoV-2 Delta • Similar results are obtained with serum from previously infected hamsters • Prior infection with an early isolate protects hamsters from reinfection with Delta • Prior infection of hamsters prevents Delta transmission to naïve hamsters SUMMARY The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant (B.1.617.2) raises concerns about potential reduced sensitivity of the virus to antibody neutralization and...
Efficacy of Antibodies and Antiviral Drugs against Covid-19 Omicron Variant
To the Editor: In November 2021, the B.1.1.529 (omicron) variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was detected in South Africa.1 Since then, omicron has rapidly spread around the world. On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization designated omicron as a variant of concern.
Pulmonary lesions induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection in domestic cats
Abstract Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of coronavirus disease 2019, which ranges from fatal disease in some to mild or subclinical in most affected individuals. Many recovered human patients report persistent respiratory signs; however, lung disease in post-acute infection is poorly understood. Our objective was to describe histologic lung lesions and viral loads following experimental SARS-CoV-2 infection in 11 cats.
An infectious SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 Omicron virus escapes neutralization by several therapeutic monoclonal antibodies
Abstract Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the global COVID-19 pandemic resulting in millions of deaths worldwide. Despite the development and deployment of highly effective antibody and vaccine countermeasures, rapidly-spreading SARS-CoV-2 variants with mutations at key antigenic sites in the spike protein jeopardize their efficacy.
Shedding of Infectious SARS-CoV-2 Despite Vaccination
Kasen K. Riemersma, Brittany E. Grogan, Amanda Kita-Yarbro, Peter J. Halfmann, Hannah E. Segaloff, Anna Kocharian, Kelsey R. Florek, Ryan Westergaard, Allen Bateman, Gunnar E. Jeppson, Yoshihiro Kawaoka, View ORCID ProfileDavid H. O’Connor, View ORCID ProfileThomas C. Friedrich, Katarina M. Grande doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.07.31.21261387 Abstract The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant is highly transmissible and contains mutations that confer partial immune escape.
Shedding of Infectious SARS-CoV-2 Despite Vaccination
Kasen K. Riemersma, Brittany E. Grogan, Amanda Kita-Yarbro, Peter J. Halfmann, Hannah E. Segaloff, Anna Kocharian, Kelsey R. Florek, Ryan Westergaard, Allen Bateman, Gunnar E. Jeppson, Yoshihiro Kawaoka, View ORCID ProfileDavid H. O’Connor, View ORCID ProfileThomas C. Friedrich, Katarina M. Grande doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.07.31.21261387 Abstract The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant is highly transmissible and contains mutations that confer partial immune escape.
Shedding of Infectious SARS-CoV-2 Despite Vaccination
Kasen K. Riemersma, Brittany E. Grogan, Amanda Kita-Yarbro, Peter J. Halfmann, Hannah E. Segaloff, Anna Kocharian, Kelsey R. Florek, Ryan Westergaard, Allen Bateman, Gunnar E. Jeppson, Yoshihiro Kawaoka, View ORCID ProfileDavid H. O’Connor, View ORCID ProfileThomas C. Friedrich, Katarina M. Grande doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.07.31.21261387 Abstract The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant might cause high viral loads, is highly transmissible, and contains mutations that confer partial immune escape 1,2.
Shedding of Infectious SARS-CoV-2 Despite Vaccination when the Delta Variant is Prevalent - Wisconsin, July 2021
Kasen K. Riemersma, Brittany E. Grogan, Amanda Kita-Yarbro, Peter Halfmann, Anna Kocharian, Kelsey R. Florek, Ryan Westergaard, Allen Bateman, Gunnar E. Jeppson, Yoshihiro Kawaoka, View ORCID ProfileDavid H. O’Connor, View ORCID ProfileThomas C. Friedrich, Katarina M.
Shedding of Infectious SARS-CoV-2 Despite Vaccination when the Delta Variant is Prevalent - Wisconsin, July 2021
Abstract SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.617.2 (delta) is associated with higher viral loads [1] and increased transmissibility relative to other variants, as well as partial escape from polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies [2]. The emergence of the delta variant has been associated with increasing case counts and test-positivity rates, indicative of rapid community spread.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic cats imposes a narrow bottleneck
Loading metrics Open Access Peer-reviewed Research Article Katarina M. Braun , Gage K. Moreno , Peter J. Halfmann, Emma B. Hodcroft, David A. Baker, Emma C. Boehm, Andrea M. Weiler, Amelia K. Haj, Masato Hatta, Shiho Chiba, Tadashi Maemura, Yoshihiro Kawaoka, Katia Koelle, David H. O’Connor, Thomas C. Friedrich Katarina M. Braun, Gage K. Moreno, Peter J. Halfmann, Emma B. Hodcroft, David A. Baker, Emma C. Boehm, Andrea M. Weiler, Amelia K.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection Severity Is Linked to Superior Humoral Immunity against the Spike
Research Article | Host-Microbe Biology Jenna J. Guthmiller, Olivia Stovicek, Jiaolong Wang, Siriruk Changrob, Lei Li, Peter Halfmann, Nai-Ying Zheng, Henry Utset, Christopher T. Stamper, Haley L. Dugan, William D. Miller, Min Huang, Ya-Nan Dai, Christopher A. Nelson, Paige D. Hall, Maud Jansen, Kumaran Shanmugarajah, Jessica S. Donington, Florian Krammer, Daved H. Fremont, Andrzej Joachimiak, Yoshihiro Kawaoka, Vera Tesic, Maria Lucia Madariaga, Patrick C.
SARS-CoV-2 D614G variant exhibits efficient replication ex vivo and transmission in vivo
Changing with the times Pandemic spread of a virus in naïe populations can select for mutations that alter pathogenesis, virulence, and/or transmissibility. The ancestral form of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that emerged from China has now been largely replaced by strains containing the mutation D614G (Asp614-to-Gly) in the viral spike protein. Hou et al.
SARS-CoV-2 D614G variant exhibits efficient replication ex vivo and transmission in vivo
Abstract The spike D614G substitution is prevalent in global SARS-CoV-2 strains, but its effects on viral pathogenesis and transmissibility remain unclear. We engineered a SARS-CoV-2 variant containing this substitution. The variant exhibits more efficient infection, replication, and competitive fitness in primary human airway epithelial cells, but maintains similar morphology and in vitro neutralization properties, compared with the ancestral wild-type virus.
SARS-CoV-2 D614G variant exhibits efficient replication ex vivo and transmission in vivo
Abstract The spike D614G substitution is prevalent in global SARS-CoV-2 strains, but its effects on viral pathogenesis and transmissibility remain unclear. We engineered a SARS-CoV-2 variant containing this substitution. The variant exhibits more efficient infection, replication, and competitive fitness in primary human airway epithelial cells, but maintains similar morphology and in vitro neutralization properties, compared with the ancestral wild-type virus.
Revealing fine-scale spatiotemporal differences in SARS-CoV-2 introduction and spread
Abstract Evidence-based public health approaches that minimize the introduction and spread of new SARS-CoV-2 transmission clusters are urgently needed in the United States and other countries struggling with expanding epidemics. Here we analyze 247 full-genome SARS-CoV-2 sequences from two nearby communities in Wisconsin, USA, and find surprisingly distinct patterns of viral spread.
SARS-CoV-2 direct cardiac damage through spike-mediated cardiomyocyte fusion
This preprint is under consideration at a Nature Research journal. Preprints are preliminary reports that have not undergone peer review. They should not be considered conclusive, used to inform clinical practice, or referenced by the media as validated information. Nature journals have partnered with Research Square to offer In Review, a journal-integrated preprint deposition service.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Domestic Cats
To the Editor: Reports of human-to-feline transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)1 and of limited airborne transmission among cats2 prompted us to evaluate nasal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 from inoculated cats and the subsequent transmission of the virus by direct contact between virus-inoculated cats and cats with no previous infection with the virus. Three domestic cats were inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 on day 0.
Longitudinal Analysis of the Human B Cell Response to Ebola Virus Infection
Audet J. Wong G. Wang H. Lu G. Gao G.F. Kobinger G. Qiu X. Molecular characterization of the monoclonal antibodies composing ZMAb: a protective cocktail against Ebola virus. Sci. Rep. 2014; 4: 6881 Benckert J. Schmolka N. Kreschel C. Zoller M.J. Sturm A. Wiedenmann B. Wardemann H. The majority of intestinal IgA+ and IgG+ plasmablasts in the human gut are antigen-specific. J. Clin. Invest. 2011; 121: 1946-1955 Bornholdt Z.A. Noda T. Abelson D.M. Halfmann P. Wood M.R. Kawaoka Y.
Ebola Resource Centre
The Lancet journals endorse the Wellcome Trust statement on sharing research findings and data relevant to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We have closed the comment section of this website for lack of recent activity Accepted comments are available to download in PDF format.
Multi-platform ’Omics Analysis of Human Ebola Virus Disease Pathogenesis
Publication HistoryPublished: November 16, 2017Accepted: September 20, 2017; Received in revised form: June 13, 2017; Received: April 4, 2017;
The Synthetic Antiviral Drug Arbidol Inhibits Globally Prevalent Pathogenic Viruses
Arbidol (ARB) is a synthetic antiviral originally developed to combat influenza viruses. ARB is currently used clinically in several countries but not in North America. We have previously shown that ARB inhibits in vitro hepatitis C virus (HCV) by blocking HCV entry and replication.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Peter
Contact Peter, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack