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VIGILANT_EU

@vigilant-eu.bsky.social
152 followers 452 following 111 posts

The VIGILANT project is funded by #HorizonEurope and develops broad spectrum antivirals for pandemic preparedness. Find more information at linktr.ee/VIGILANT_EU

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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Very happy to attend the Virology Next 2026 Symposium, organized by our colleagues from the EU research group COMBAT. Inspiring discussions, new connections, and exciting exchanges in virology! 🦠🔬
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
A reminder that the cleavage motif isn't the whole story- the surrounding structural and glycan environment matters too. rdcu.be/1VFqRsRpH5Ya
rdcu.be
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
VIGILANT seeks to develop inhibitors of virus-activating host cell proteases. This study shows that N-glycans upstream of the furin cleavage site in SARS-CoV-2 Spike influence Spike processing.
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Stefan Pöhlmann @snpoehlm.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
🧪An exciting new preprint offers insights into how SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses can acquire cleavage motifs for the cellular protease furin. A thread on the importance of the furin motif in the SARS-CoV-2 spike and its possible origins.🧵
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Stefan Pöhlmann @snpoehlm.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
🧪 Filoviruses are among the most lethal viruses known to infect humans. Yet despite decades of research, major questions about their ecology, evolution, host range, and potential for wider geographic spread remain unresolved. ➡️A thread on Ebola, Marburg, and related filoviruses.
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Leibniz-Gemeinschaft @leibniz-gemeinschaft.de · 22/05/2026
Ein Medikament gegen alle Viren: Ist das möglich? Stefan Pöhlmann (@snpoehlm.bsky.social) von @primatenzentrum.bsky.social & @uni-goettingen.de im #Podcast #TonspurWissen von @leibniz-gemeinschaft.de & Rheinischer Post. 💉 👉 pod.fo/e/41ba7b #Medizin #Viren #Impfung #Ebola #Hanta #Infektionen
Rechts oben in der Ecke steht in einer weißen Blase "tonspur Wissen“. Am rechten Bildrand ist ein Foto des Infektionsbiologen Stefan Pöhlmann. Das Bild der Person ist schwarz-weiß eingefärbt, um die Konturen der Person beschnitten und zusätzlich weiß umrandet. In einer großen weißen Blase, die mittig-links im Bild platziert ist, steht: „Ein Medikament gegen alle Viren: Ist das möglich? Stefan Pöhlmann. Deutsches Primatenzentrum – Leibniz-Institut für  Primatenforschung“. Im Bildhintergrund sind ein blau-grün eingefärbte grafische Darstellungen von Viren zu sehen.
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Ebola outbreak kills 65 in eastern DR Congo's Ituri province
Africa's top health agency says around 246 cases have been reported.
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
A cathepsin L inhibitor active against coronaviruses in cell culture and against the coronavirus MHV-1 in a rodent model. rdcu.be/fih6u
rdcu.be
Endolysosomal trafficking regulator SH-BC-893 inhibits coronavirus entry in vitro and in vivo
Scientific Reports - Endolysosomal trafficking regulator SH-BC-893 inhibits coronavirus entry in vitro and in vivo
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
ACS Infectious Diseases Repurposing Clinical Candidates for Nipah and Hendra Viruses | ACS Infectious Diseases pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...
pubs.acs.org
Repurposing Clinical Candidates for Nipah and Hendra Viruses
Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV) are bat-borne zoonotic paramyxoviruses that cause severe and often fatal respiratory and neurological disease in humans, for which no small-molecule therapies ...
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
▶️Relacatib failed to protect Syrian hamsters against Nipah virus infection, likely due to rapid drug clearance and insufficient exposure. The study underscores both the promise and the translational challenges of targeting cathepsin L as a broad-spectrum antiviral strategy.
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Repurposing clinical candidates against Nipah virus and Hendra virus ▶️Cathepsin L inhibitors showed potent antiviral activity in cell culture, including the clinical-stage inhibitor relacatib.
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Furin Inhibition Protects Against Acute Lung Injury in a Mouse Model of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infection academic.oup.com/ajrcmb/artic...
academic.oup.com
Furin Inhibition Protects Against Acute Lung Injury in a Mouse Model of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infection
Abstract. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality particularly in patients with chronic lung diseases such as ch
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Furin as target for suppression of mosquito-borne viruses ➡️Furin encoding genes identified in mosquito cell lines. ➡️A furin inhibitor blocked Semliki Forest virus infection of mosquito cell lines. Centurión et al. Virol J 11;23(1):92. 2026 Mar rdcu.be/fhn4j
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Furin as target for suppression of mosquito-borne viruses
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Should You Worry About Hantavirus? www.nytimes.com/2026/05/06/w...
nytimes.com
Should You Worry About Hantavirus?
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Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus @drtedros.who.int · 06/05/2026
Three suspected #hantavirus case patients have just been evacuated from the ship and are on their way to receive medical care in the Netherlands in coordination with @who.int, the ship’s operator and national authorities from Cabo Verde, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. (1/4)
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
bsky.app/profile/theg...
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
There are currently no highly effective antivirals against hantaviruses, underscoring the importance of developing broad-spectrum antiviral strategies against zoonotic pathogens.
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
The ongoing cruise ship-associated outbreak is a sobering reminder of the continuing threat posed by zoonotic viruses. We hope the outbreak can be swiftly contained and extend our thoughts to the affected families and communities.
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Hantaviruses are rodent-borne pathogens that can cause severe disease in humans. Andes virus, found in South America, is the only hantavirus known to occasionally spread between people, typically after close contact.
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
The host protein SSR4 mediates PRRSV-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress via interaction with Nsp2 | Journal of Virology journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/...
journals.asm.org
The host protein SSR4 mediates PRRSV-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress via interaction with Nsp2 | Journal of Virology
This study provides significant insights into porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) pathogenesis by identifying a novel and specific virus-host interface. We demonstrate that PRR...
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
These findings highlight proteins associated with the ER translocon - a key target of @vigilant-eu.bsky.social - as promising targets for antiviral intervention. 4/4
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Interestingly, drugs that disrupted this hijacked ER stress pathway - especially ER stress inducers - showed potent antiviral activity. 3/4
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
They report that the host protein SSR4 (Signal Sequence Receptor Subunit 4), a small membrane protein that forms part of the TRAP complex (translocon-associated protein complex), mediates PRRSV-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress via interaction with the viral protein Nsp2. 2/4
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Interesting study by Li and colleagues: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a highly contagious viral disease of pigs caused by a virus - PRRSV. 1/4
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Ville Paavilainen @villepaavilainen.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
I'm very proud to share new work reporting a lipid scrambling activity and pathway within the Sec61 protein translocon. pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...
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Melanie McDowell @melaniemcdowell.bsky.social · 12/07/2025
Proud to share our first lab pre-print: “SND3 is the membrane insertase within a fungal multipass translocon” where @tzujingyang.bsky.social solved the structure of a ribosome-associated SND3-translocon complex involved in ER membrane protein insertion ➡️ doi.org/10.1101/2025...
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Cell Biology J-Club @cellclub.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
SND3 is the membrane insertase within a distinct SEC61 translocon complex www.nature.com/articles/s41...
nature.com
SND3 is the membrane insertase within a distinct SEC61 translocon complex - Nature Communications
The fungal SND pathway inserts a wide range of proteins into the ER membrane. Here, SND3 is identified as a membrane insertase within a distinct SEC61 translocon complex, implying a role in co-transla...
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Journal of Clinical Investigation @jci.org · 25/08/2025
Platelet hyperactivity in type 2 diabetes increases the risk for blood clots. Freda H. Passam & team now identify SEC61 as an ER calcium leak channel in platelets—upregulation of which contributes to platelet hyperreactivity in diabetes: bit.ly/3HEC97P
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
share.google/0xbWcmifuTEr...
share.google
A light-resuming strategy as a screening method for selecting Sec61 inhibitors down-modulating PD-L1 expression - Nature Communications
Here the authors develop an assay capable of selecting Sec61 inhibitors by exploiting the inactivation of firefly luciferase, once translocated into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and the possibility of diverting and “re-lighting” luciferase into the cytosol by a Sec61 inhibitor.
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Alexandra Kupke @alexkupke.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
The early bird catches the flight ✈️🐦 The Marburg UMR travel group made it onto the early morning plane to Ljubljana — even with the Lufthansa strike going on. Looking forward to an exciting @vigilant-eu.bsky.social meeting.
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
VIGILANT annual meeting in Ljubljana New findings, great discussions, and valuable input from our Scientific Advisory Board. Projects are advancing, collaborations strengthening, and progress toward broad-spectrum antivirals continues. Thanks to all involved - and to the European Union for funding
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Just over three weeks until our annual meeting, with talks by renowned experts open to the public. The talks will be available in person and online on the day. Virologists in Ljubljana, be sure to drop by! We are looking forward to sharing our knowledge with you!
Invitation poster, in Slovene, to attend VIGILANT talks on Friday 17th AprilInvitation poster to attend VIGILANT talks on Friday 17th April, in English
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
VIGILANT will be holding its 2026 Annual Meeting in Ljubljana in April. Our keynote speeches are open to the public across two sessions on the Friday. We are looking forward to seeing members virology community in Slovenia in full force!
VIGILANT Annual Meeting invitation poster for Friday, 17th April, 2026, hosted at the large lecture hall Velika predavalnica Instututa "Jozef Stefan". Morning session from 9:10am with Prof. Dr. Jan Muench and Prof. Klaudia Brix. Afternoon session from 12:45pm with Prof. Kartik Chandran and Dr. Andrea Marzi.
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Structural insights into the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase complexes from highly pathogenic Marburg and Ebola viruses rdcu.be/e7RMY
rdcu.be
Structural insights into the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase complexes from highly pathogenic Marburg and Ebola viruses
Nature Communications - The Ebola and Marburg viruses use polymerase complexes to replicate and transcribe their genome. Here, the authors present cryo-EM structures of the polymerase complexes of...
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Structural basis of Nipah virus RNA synthesis rdcu.be/e7RLC
rdcu.be
Structural basis of Nipah virus RNA synthesis
Nature Communications - Sala et al. report the first structural snapshot of the Nipah virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase in the actively elongating state, uncovering key mechanisms of RNA synthesis...
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
A much-needed vaccine for Nipah virus www.nature.com/articles/d41...
nature.com
A much-needed vaccine for Nipah virus
A phase 1 trial suggests safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of a candidate subunit vaccine against the deadly Nipah virus, for which countermeasures are urgently needed.
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
By focusing on shared mechanisms of viral protein expression and activation, VIGILANT aims to create broad-spectrum antivirals that are ready before the next outbreak hits. Preparedness saves lives.
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
www.theguardian.com/science/2026... The recent Nipah virus outbreak is a stark reminder of how quickly zoonotic viruses can emerge & spread. VIGILANT is tackling this threat head-on by developing medical compounds that target host cell pathways hijacked by Nipah and related viruses. ...
theguardian.com
What is Nipah virus? Key things to know about the disease amid cases in India
Highly contagious virus, which spreads from animals to humans, has a high fatality rate and there is no vaccine
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The Guardian @theguardian.com · 28/01/2026
What is Nipah virus? Key things to know about the disease amid cases in India
theguardian.com
What is Nipah virus? Key things to know about the disease amid cases in India
Highly contagious virus, which spreads from animals to humans, has a high fatality rate and there is no vaccine
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
... for example in diseases where loss of cell viability is contributing to progression of specific diseases. Such approaches could be particularly valuable in neurological conditions where protein misfolding leads to neuronal cell death.
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
Q6 - What do you hope to achieve next? We are currently working on new small molecule approaches that aim to activate cellular stress responses with cell-protective effects. This could have various specific benefits, ...
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
... This knowledge can inform CRISPR technology or inhibitors against “undruggable” protein targets. Q5 - What’s something people often misunderstand about your field? Why gaining deep understanding of cellular biochemistry can enable new discoveries with profound implications.
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
Q4 - How could your research help people or the planet? Deep understanding of complex biological processes is critical to enable broad benefits to society, e.g. when designing innovative therapeutic strategies or for biotechnology. ...
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
... Such inhibitors are currently being pursued by two biotechnology companies and first lead molecule is currently being tested in clinical trials for ultimate treatment of solid tumours in different cancer types.
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
Q3 - What’s a discovery or project you’re especially proud of? Our long-term work on inhibitors of protein secretion that act in an unexpected client-selective manner, including first structural characterisation & collaboration of medicinal chemists to optimise the compounds. ...
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
Q2 - What excites you most about your work? The ability to understand at a deep level the mechanisms that enable cells to orchestrate their complex biochemistries and the impact this can have for being able to modulate biology for biotechnology and drug discovery.
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
... Our work aims to uncover new disease-related mechanisms and small molecules that can serve as starting points for drug discovery in areas such as cancer, immunology and antiviral development.
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
Q1 - What is your research about, in simple terms? Our group tries to understand mechanisms of eukaryotic protein biogenesis, especially machineries within the early secretory pathway that are required for biosynthesis and folding of secreted and membrane proteins. ...
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VIGILANT_EU @vigilant-eu.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
MEET THE VIGILANT TEAM We are interviewing Project VIGILANT staff to introduce them to you! Ville Paavilainen Research Director - Chemical Biology & Proteostasis Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki - www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/proteostasis-and-chemical-biology
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Angie Rasmussen @angierasmussen.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
I've got a bad feeling about the upcoming flu season, given the fact that there are a bunch of subtypes at this party with the potential to wreak varying amounts of havoc. So I broke it all down here. open.substack.com/pub/rasmusse...
open.substack.com
The Real Subtypes of the 2025 Flu Season
Have you ever been to a party where you sensed the messiness before it happened?
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