TWiV 1323: One influenza infection, two patients

The Andes hantavirus outbreak, currently involving 11 confirmed cases and several deaths, highlights the limitations of international monitoring and the ongoing debate regarding potential sexual transmission, though evidence remains limited to PCR positivity. Advancements in mRNA technology offer a promising path for a pan-sarbecovirus vaccine, utilizing dual-quartet RBD nanoparticles to elicit broad, cross-reactive antibody responses and robust T-cell activation without the need for traditional adjuvants. Research into influenza infection during pregnancy reveals that Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) acts as a master regulator of maternal and fetal morbidity, driving vascular dysfunction and neuroinflammation in the fetus. These findings suggest that targeting TLR7 or downstream cytokines like Oncostatin M could mitigate pregnancy-related complications. Meanwhile, institutional challenges persist, exemplified by the forced retirement of coronavirus researcher Ralph Baric and the erosion of CDC oversight in global HIV programs.