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A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "General Virology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 39831

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Susana Tereno Valente

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Guest Editor

Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
Interests: HIV transcription; HIV-1 transcriptional inhibitors; HIV-1 latency; HIV-1 functional cure; tat inhibitors; capsid inhibitors; restriction factors; anti-HIV agents

Prof. Dr. Barbara Baker

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Guest Editor

Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, Plant Gene Expression Center, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
Interests: molecular, genetic and biochemical bases of host-microbe interactions, and investigates mechanisms of pathogen-induced host disease and disease resistance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Sharon Lewin

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Guest Editor

Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Interests: hepatitis; HIV; immunology; viral infectious diseases; host pathogens interactions

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are delighted to present this special collection of articles highlighting the achievements of women scientists in virology from all around the world. This Special Issue is devoted to presenting research performed by early and advanced career scientists who are women.

Over the last 20 months, the world’s attention has been consumed by a 30 Kb strand of RNA! Never has the focus on viruses and virologists been more important or intense. Our global expertise in virology has allowed us to swiftly respond to SARS-CoV-2, although some may think we have not been quick enough. Either way, we would like to mark this unique moment in history to celebrate the contributions of women to virology.

We cordially invite you to submit your work performed across all areas of virology including human, animal, eukaryotic, prokaryotic or plant virology. We welcome you to present your latest discoveries in fields such as immunology, structural biology, molecular virology, therapeutics or vaccines, and we especially welcome manuscripts relevant to the current SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. These are only some of the topics of interest, and you are welcome to add new ones and contribute to a high-impact Special Issue.

Communications, original research papers, and review articles are welcome. Biographies or articles celebrating outstanding virologists who are women are also welcome.

Articles where the lead authors are women are encouraged; however, we welcome submissions from all authors, irrespective of gender.

Prof. Dr. Susana Valente
Prof. Dr. Barbara Baker
Prof. Dr. Sharon Lewin
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Viruses is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 205 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

An Inspiring Journey of Hope and Persistence: Life Lessons with Françoise Barré-Sinoussi

by Kiho Tanaka, Paula M. Cevaal and Rachel D. Pascoe

Viruses 2022, 14(5), 1108; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v14051108 - 21 May 2022

Viewed by 1757

Abstract

Three early-career female virologists sat down with a distinguished Nobel laureate to discuss two pandemics, 39 years apart [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women in Virology)

Research

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19 pages, 1439 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Variability in the E6, E7, and L1 Genes of Human Papillomavirus Types 16 and 18 among Women in Saudi Arabia

by Madain Alsanea, Asma Alsaleh, Dalia Obeid, Faten Alhadeq, Basma Alahideb and Fatimah Alhamlan

Viruses 2023, 15(1), 109; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v15010109 - 30 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1723

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the eighth most frequent cancer in Saudi Arabia, and most cases are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18. HPV-induced carcinogenesis may be associated with the intra-type variant, genetic mutation, or the continuous expression of viral oncogenes E6 and E7. Infection efficiency and virus antigenicity may be affected by changes in the L1 gene. Thus, this retrospective cohort study analyzed E6, E7, and L1 gene mutations in cervical specimens collected from Saudi women positive for HPV16 or HPV18 infection. HPV16 and HPV18 lineages in these specimens were predominantly from Europe. The L83V mutation in the E6 gene of HPV16 showed sufficient oncogenic potential for progression to cervical cancer. By contrast, the L28F mutation in the E7 gene of HPV16 was associated with a low risk of cervical cancer. Other specific HPV16 and HPV18 mutations were associated with an increased risk of cancer, cancer progression, viral load, and age. Four novel mutations, K53T, K53N, R365P, and K443N, were identified in the L1 gene of HPV16. These findings for HPV16 and HPV18 lineages and mutations in the E6, E7, and L1 genes among women in Saudi Arabia may inform the design and development of effective molecular diagnostic tests and vaccination strategies for the Saudi population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women in Virology)

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13 pages, 1669 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Epidemiological Patterns of Seasonal Respiratory Viruses during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Madagascar, March 2020–May 2022

by Norosoa Harline Razanajatovo, Tsiry Hasina Randriambolamanantsoa, Joelinotahiana Hasina Rabarison, Laurence Randrianasolo, Miamina Fidy Ankasitrahana, Arvé Ratsimbazafy, Antso Hasina Raherinandrasana, Helisoa Razafimanjato, Vololoniaina Raharinosy, Soa Fy Andriamandimby, Jean-Michel Heraud, Philippe Dussart and Vincent Lacoste

Viruses 2023, 15(1), 12; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v15010012 - 20 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1732

Abstract

Three epidemic waves of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) occurred in Madagascar from March 2020 to May 2022, with a positivity rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) of 21% to 33%. Our study aimed to identify the impact of COVID-19 on the epidemiology of seasonal respiratory viruses (RVs) in Madagascar. We used two different specimen sources (SpS). First, 2987 nasopharyngeal (NP) specimens were randomly selected from symptomatic patients between March 2020 and May 2022 who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 and were tested for 14 RVs by multiplex real-time PCR. Second, 6297 NP specimens were collected between March 2020 and May 2022 from patients visiting our sentinel sites of the influenza sentinel network. The samples were tested for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2. From SpS-1, 19% (569/2987) of samples tested positive for at least one RV. Rhinovirus (6.3%, 187/2987) was the most frequently detected virus during the first two waves, whereas influenza predominated during the third. From SpS-2, influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV accounted for 5.4%, 24.5%, and 39.4% of the detected viruses, respectively. During the study period, we observed three different RV circulation profiles. Certain viruses circulated sporadically, with increased activity in between waves of SARS-CoV-2. Other viruses continued to circulate regardless of the COVID-19 situation. Certain viruses were severely disrupted by the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Our findings underline the importance and necessity of maintaining an integrated disease surveillance system for the surveillance and monitoring of RVs of public health interest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women in Virology)

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15 pages, 1778 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Prevalence, Genotype Distribution and Risk Factors of Human Papillomavirus in Tunisia: A National-Based Study

by Monia Ardhaoui, Hejer Letaief, Emna Ennaifer, Souha Bougatef, Thelja Lassili, Rahima Bel Haj Rhouma, Emna Fehri, Kaouther Ouerhani, Ikram Guizani, Myriam Mchela, Karim Chahed, Mohamed Kouni Chahed, Mohamed Samir Boubaker and Nissaf Bouafif Ben Alaya

Viruses 2022, 14(10), 2175; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v14102175 - 30 Sep 2022

Viewed by 2061

Abstract

There are limited national population-based studies on HPV genotypes distribution in Tunisia, thus making difficult an assessment of the burden of vaccine-preventable cervical cancer. In this context, we conducted a national survey to determine the HPV prevalence and genotypes distribution and the risk factors for HPV infections in Tunisian women. This is a cross-sectional study performed between December 2012 and December 2014. A liquid-based Pap smear sample was obtained from all women and samples’ DNAs were extracted. Only women with betaglobin-positive PCR were further analysed for HPV detection and typing by a nested-PCR of the L1 region followed by next-generation sequencing. A multiple logistic regression model was used for the analysis of associations between the variables. A total of 1517 women were enrolled in this study, and 1229 out of the 1517 cervical samples were positive for the betaglobin control PCR and tested for HPV. Overall HPV infection prevalence was measured to be 7.8% (96/1229), with significant differences between the grand regions, ranging from 2% in the North to 13.1% in Grand Tunis. High-risk HPV genotypes accounted for 5% of the infections. The most prevalent genotypes were HPV 31 (1%), 16 (0.9%), 59 (0.7%). HPV18 was detected only in four cases of the study population. Potential risk factors were living in Grand Tunis region (OR: 7.94 [2.74–22.99]), married status (OR: 2.74 [1.23–6.13]), smoking habit (OR: 2.73 [1.35–5.51]), occupation (OR: 1.81 [1.09–3.01]) and women with multiple sexual partners (OR: 1.91 [1.07–3.39]). These findings underscore the need to evaluate the cost effectiveness of HPV vaccine implementation, contribute to the evidence on the burden of HPV infections, the critical role of sexual behaviour and socioeconomic status, and call for increased support to the preventive program of cervical cancer in Tunisia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women in Virology)

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14 pages, 18553 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Female Genital Fibroblasts Diminish the In Vitro Efficacy of PrEP against HIV

by Ashley F. George, Matthew McGregor, David Gingrich, Jason Neidleman, Rebecca S. Marquez, Kyrlia C. Young, Kaavya L. Thanigaivelan, Warner C. Greene, Phyllis C. Tien, Amelia N. Deitchman, Trimble L. Spitzer and Nadia R. Roan

Viruses 2022, 14(8), 1723; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v14081723 - 04 Aug 2022

Viewed by 2134

Abstract

The efficacy of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is high in men who have sex with men, but much more variable in women, in a manner largely attributed to low adherence. This reduced efficacy, however, could also reflect biological factors. Transmission to women is typically via the female reproductive tract (FRT), and vaginal dysbiosis, genital inflammation, and other factors specific to the FRT mucosa can all increase transmission risk. We have demonstrated that mucosal fibroblasts from the lower and upper FRT can markedly enhance HIV infection of CD4+ T cells. Given the current testing of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, cabotegravir, and dapivirine regimens as candidate PrEP agents for women, we set out to determine using in vitro assays whether endometrial stromal fibroblasts (eSF) isolated from the FRT can affect the anti-HIV activity of these PrEP drugs. We found that PrEP drugs exhibit significantly reduced antiviral efficacy in the presence of eSFs, not because of decreased PrEP drug availability, but rather of eSF-mediated enhancement of HIV infection. These findings suggest that drug combinations that target both the virus and infection-promoting factors in the FRT—such as mucosal fibroblasts—may be more effective than PrEP alone at preventing sexual transmission of HIV to women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women in Virology)

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19 pages, 4346 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Western, Eastern, and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (WEVEE) Virus-Replicon Particle (VRP) Vaccine against WEEV in a Non-Human Primate Animal Model

by Crystal W. Burke, Rebecca A. Erwin-Cohen, Aimee I. Goodson, Catherine Wilhelmsen, Jennifer A. Edmundson, Charles E. White and Pamela J. Glass

Viruses 2022, 14(7), 1502; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v14071502 - 08 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1916

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the route of administration on the immunogenicity and efficacy of a combined western, eastern, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis (WEVEE) virus-like replicon particle (VRP) vaccine in cynomolgus macaques. The vaccine consisted of equal amounts of WEEV, EEEV, and VEEV VRPs. Thirty-three animals were randomly assigned to five treatment or control groups. Animals were vaccinated with two doses of WEVEE VRPs or the control 28 days apart. Blood was collected 28 days following primary vaccination and 21 days following boost vaccination for analysis of the immune response to the WEVEE VRP vaccine. NHPs were challenged by aerosol 28 or 29 days following second vaccination with WEEV CBA87. Vaccination with two doses of WEVEE VRP was immunogenic and resulted in neutralizing antibody responses specific for VEEV, EEEV and WEEV. None of the vaccinated animals met euthanasia criteria following aerosol exposure to WEEV CBA87. However, one NHP control (total of 11 controls) met euthanasia criteria after infection with WEEV CBA87. Statistically significant differences in median fever hours were noted in control NHPs compared to vaccinated NHPs, providing a quantitative measure of infection and efficacy of the vaccine against a WEEV challenge. Alterations in lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils were observed. Lymphopenia was observed in control NHPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women in Virology)

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20 pages, 4553 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of HIV-1 Infection in Microglia-Containing Human Cerebral Organoids

by Stephanie B. H. Gumbs, Amber Berdenis van Berlekom, Raphael Kübler, Pauline J. Schipper, Lavina Gharu, Marco P. Boks, Paul R. Ormel, Annemarie M. J. Wensing, Lot D. de Witte and Monique Nijhuis

Viruses 2022, 14(4), 829; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v14040829 - 16 Apr 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3640

Abstract

The achievement of an HIV cure is dependent on the eradication or permanent silencing of HIV-latent viral reservoirs, including the understudied central nervous system (CNS) reservoir. This requires a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms of HIV’s entry into the CNS, latency establishment, persistence, and reversal. Therefore, representative CNS culture models that reflect the intercellular dynamics and pathophysiology of the human brain are urgently needed in order to study the CNS viral reservoir and HIV-induced neuropathogenesis. In this study, we characterized a human cerebral organoid model in which microglia grow intrinsically as a CNS culture model to study HIV infection in the CNS. We demonstrated that both cerebral organoids and isolated organoid-derived microglia (oMG), infected with replication-competent HIVbal reporter viruses, support productive HIV infection via the CCR5 co-receptor. Productive HIV infection was only observed in microglial cells. Fluorescence analysis revealed microglia as the only HIV target cell. Susceptibility to HIV infection was dependent on the co-expression of microglia-specific markers and the CD4 and CCR5 HIV receptors. Altogether, this model will be a valuable tool within the HIV research community to study HIV–CNS interactions, the underlying mechanisms of HIV-associated neurological disorders (HAND), and the efficacy of new therapeutic and curative strategies on the CNS viral reservoir. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women in Virology)

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16 pages, 2934 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Efficacy of Common Household Cleaning Agents for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Control

by Catarina F. Almeida, Damian F. J. Purcell, Dale I. Godfrey and Julie L. McAuley

Viruses 2022, 14(4), 715; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v14040715 - 29 Mar 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5840

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is having devastating effects on a global scale. Since common household disinfectants are often used to minimise the risk of infection in the home and work environment, we investigated the ability of some of these products to inactivate the virus. We tested generic brands of vinegar, bleach, and dishwashing detergent, as well as laboratory-grade acetic acid, sodium hypochlorite, and ethanol. Assays were conducted at room temperature (18–20 °C, 40% relative humidity), and two time points were used to reflect a quick wipe (30 s) and a brief soak (5 min). Vinegar, and its active ingredient, acetic acid, were completely ineffective at virus inactivation even when exposed to the virus at 90% v/v (a final concentration equivalent to 3.6% v/v acetic acid). In contrast, ethanol was capable of inactivating the virus at dilutions as low as 40% v/v. Dishwashing detergent effectively rendered SARS-CoV-2 inactive when diluted 100-fold (1% v/v). Bleach was found to be fully effective against SARS-CoV-2 at 0.21 g/L sodium hypochlorite after a 30 s exposure (1/200 dilution of commercial product). Given reports of infectious virus recovered from the surface of frozen packaging, we tested the persistence of infectiousness after multiple freeze-thaw cycles and found no change in infectious SARS-CoV-2 titre after seven freeze-thaw cycles. These results should help inform readers of how to effectively disinfect surfaces and objects that have potentially been contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 using common household chemicals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women in Virology)

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Review

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15 pages, 1128 KiB

Open AccessReview

Viral Hijacking of BET Proteins

by Irene P. Chen and Melanie Ott

Viruses 2022, 14(10), 2274; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v14102274 - 17 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2422

Abstract

Proteins of the bromodomain and exterminal domain (BET) family mediate critical host functions such as cell proliferation, transcriptional regulation, and the innate immune response, which makes them preferred targets for viruses. These multidomain proteins are best known as transcriptional effectors able to read acetylated histone and non-histone proteins through their tandem bromodomains. They also contain other short motif-binding domains such as the extraterminal domain, which recognizes transcriptional regulatory proteins. Here, we describe how different viruses have evolved to hijack or disrupt host BET protein function through direct interactions with BET family members to support their own propagation. The network of virus-BET interactions emerges as highly intricate, which may complicate the use of small-molecule BET inhibitors–currently in clinical development for the treatment of cancer and cardiovascular diseases–to treat viral infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women in Virology)

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20 pages, 948 KiB

Open AccessReview

Non-Human Primate Models of HIV Brain Infection and Cognitive Disorders

by Sarah J. Byrnes, Thomas A. Angelovich, Kathleen Busman-Sahay, Catherine R. Cochrane, Michael Roche, Jacob D. Estes and Melissa J. Churchill

Viruses 2022, 14(9), 1997; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v14091997 - 09 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2359

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorders are a major burden for people living with HIV whose viremia is stably suppressed with antiretroviral therapy. The pathogenesis of disease is likely multifaceted, with contributions from viral reservoirs including the brain, chronic and systemic inflammation, and traditional risk factors including drug use. Elucidating the effects of each element on disease pathogenesis is near impossible in human clinical or ex vivo studies, facilitating the need for robust and accurate non-human primate models. In this review, we describe the major non-human primate models of neuroHIV infection, their use to study the acute, chronic, and virally suppressed infection of the brain, and novel therapies targeting brain reservoirs and inflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women in Virology)

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30 pages, 1033 KiB

Open AccessReview

Forging a Functional Cure for HIV: Transcription Regulators and Inhibitors

by Sonia Mediouni, Shuang Lyu, Susan M. Schader and Susana T. Valente

Viruses 2022, 14(9), 1980; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v14091980 - 07 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3141

Abstract

Current antiretroviral therapy (ART) increases the survival of HIV-infected individuals, yet it is not curative. The major barrier to finding a definitive cure for HIV is our inability to identify and eliminate long-lived cells containing the dormant provirus, termed viral reservoir. When ART is interrupted, the viral reservoir ensures heterogenous and stochastic HIV viral gene expression, which can reseed infection back to pre-ART levels. While strategies to permanently eradicate the virus have not yet provided significant success, recent work has focused on the management of this residual viral reservoir to effectively limit comorbidities associated with the ongoing viral transcription still observed during suppressive ART, as well as limit the need for daily ART. Our group has been at the forefront of exploring the viability of the block-and-lock remission approach, focused on the long-lasting epigenetic block of viral transcription such that without daily ART, there is no risk of viral rebound, transmission, or progression to AIDS. Numerous studies have reported inhibitors of both viral and host factors required for HIV transcriptional activation. Here, we highlight and review some of the latest HIV transcriptional inhibitor discoveries that may be leveraged for the clinical exploration of block-and-lock and revolutionize the way we treat HIV infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women in Virology)

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11 pages, 658 KiB

Open AccessReview

Kathryn V. Holmes: A Career of Contributions to the Coronavirus Field

by Aurelio Bonavia, Samuel R. Dominguez, Gabriela Dveksler, Sara Gagneten, Megan Howard, Scott Jeffers, Zhaohui Qian, Mary Kathryn Smith, Larissa B. Thackray, Dina B. Tresnan, David E. Wentworth, David R. Wessner, Richard K. Williams and Tanya A. Miura

Viruses 2022, 14(7), 1573; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v14071573 - 20 Jul 2022

Viewed by 2465

Abstract

Over the past two years, scientific research has moved at an unprecedented rate in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The rapid development of effective vaccines and therapeutics would not have been possible without extensive background knowledge on coronaviruses developed over decades by researchers, including Kathryn (Kay) Holmes. Kay’s research team discovered the first coronavirus receptors for mouse hepatitis virus and human coronavirus 229E and contributed a wealth of information on coronaviral spike glycoproteins and receptor interactions that are critical determinants of host and tissue specificity. She collaborated with several research laboratories to contribute knowledge in additional areas, including coronaviral pathogenesis, epidemiology, and evolution. Throughout her career, Kay was an extremely dedicated and thoughtful mentor to numerous graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. This article provides a review of her contributions to the coronavirus field and her exemplary mentoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women in Virology)

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Other

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26 pages, 468 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

Women in the European Virus Bioinformatics Center

by Franziska Hufsky, Ana Abecasis, Patricia Agudelo-Romero, Magda Bletsa, Katherine Brown, Claudia Claus, Stefanie Deinhardt-Emmer, Li Deng, Caroline C. Friedel, María Inés Gismondi, Evangelia Georgia Kostaki, Denise Kühnert, Urmila Kulkarni-Kale, Karin J. Metzner, Irmtraud M. Meyer, Laura Miozzi, Luca Nishimura, Sofia Paraskevopoulou, Alba Pérez-Cataluña, Janina Rahlff, Emma Thomson, Charlotte Tumescheit, Lia van der Hoek, Lore Van Espen, Anne-Mieke Vandamme, Maryam Zaheri, Neta Zuckerman and Manja Marz Show full author list Hide full author list

Viruses 2022, 14(7), 1522; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v14071522 - 12 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3401

Abstract

Viruses are the cause of a considerable burden to human, animal and plant health, while on the other hand playing an important role in regulating entire ecosystems. The power of new sequencing technologies combined with new tools for processing “Big Data” offers unprecedented opportunities to answer fundamental questions in virology. Virologists have an urgent need for virus-specific bioinformatics tools. These developments have led to the formation of the European Virus Bioinformatics Center, a network of experts in virology and bioinformatics who are joining forces to enable extensive exchange and collaboration between these research areas. The EVBC strives to provide talented researchers with a supportive environment free of gender bias, but the gender gap in science, especially in math-intensive fields such as computer science, persists. To bring more talented women into research and keep them there, we need to highlight role models to spark their interest, and we need to ensure that female scientists are not kept at lower levels but are given the opportunity to lead the field. Here we showcase the work of the EVBC and highlight the achievements of some outstanding women experts in virology and viral bioinformatics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women in Virology)

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8 pages, 667 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

From Open Access to Circular Health: Ilaria Capua’s Journey through Science and Politics

by Elisa Crisci

Viruses 2022, 14(6), 1296; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v14061296 - 14 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1875

Abstract

This paper highlights the career of an exceptional woman virologist, Dr. Ilaria Capua. It recollects her major achievements, awards and noteworthy events that have shaped her scientific and political career. It retraces Dr. Capua’s major contributions to the study of viral zoonoses, in particular influenza virus, and her strong commitment to an open, more ethical science at the service of society in its broadest sense. It describes how she became the long-term champion of “Open Access” and “Data Sharing” for virus genetic sequences and introduces her new concept of “Circular Health”, where health becomes a circular system that represents a central and vital connection hub between humans and nature. This paper features Dr. Capua’s value as a role model for young women scientists and their empowerment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women in Virology)

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