Posters and Guidelines

Thank you for considering to present your work as a poster at Emerging Viruses 2024. Please submit your poster abstract online within the advertised deadlines.

Digital poster preparation and submission

• Page size: Prepare your poster as you would normally do for printing. You can prepare your poster in sizes A1 or A0, as the page size is not important if only presenting digitally. However, print hardcopy posters in A1 portrait format. Larger posters and those in landscape format may not be displayed due to space constraints. Also, do not use heavy printing paper or lamination.
• Naming your poster files: Name your poster files as follows: <your surname>-EVOX24-Poster.pdf. For example, for David Jones, name your file as ‘Jones-EVOX24-Poster.pdf’. DO NOT name your poster files as, e.g.,  Oxford-poster, poster2024, etc. Such files will be automatically rejected.
• Poster submission and deadlines: All poster presenters, whether attending virtually or in-person, are required to submit a digital version of their poster so that your poster is accessible to virtual attendees. Submit your final poster as PDF (<5MB) and via the link below no later than 26th August 2024. Late posters may not be included in the conference programme. Please DO NOT send your poster (or abstract) files by email. Also, ensure you send us the very final version of your poster (as well as your poster abstract), as once published, it cannot be replaced.

Poster presentation

• Poster PDF files (required): Whether the presenter is attending virtually or in-person, poster PDF files are required, which will be made available via the secure conference documents page to the conference participants. The participants will be able to ask questions via the Zoom chatbox during the conference. There is no specific time for presenting digital posters.
• Flash-talk videos (optional): We are pleased to offer poster presenters the opportunity to prepare a short video presentation about their poster and send it before the conference. The videos will be made available on the LPMHealthcare YouTube channel. Below is further information for sending your video presentation.
  • Download the opening slide (EVOx24 posters first slide) and use it as the first slide of your presentation (see example: https://youtu.be/XatqenCd_IU?si=Yu1PooCD4JmSLAiz).
  • Give your presentation (no longer than 5 minutes) using Zoom or another platform of your choice.
  • Convert the video into a format compatible with YouTube (e.g., MP4).
  • Send your video to VirusesOxford@gmail.com using a file transfer program, such as MailBigFile or WeTransfer.
• Hardcopy posters (optional): If attending in-person, you may bring along a printed copy of your poster (maximum A1 size) to be displayed during the conference.
• The participants can post their questions on X any time using the meeting hashtag, #EVOx24, as well as the poster specific hashtag (given under each poster abstract) – do tag @LPMHealthcare and @VirusesOxford in your tweets.
• Any further information about the poster presentations at this digital meeting will be available in the future.

Before uploading your poster, you must make sure that you follow ALL of the instructions above!

Upload your poster

Accepted Posters

(Presenters in Bold)

Accepted poster abstracts (Unedited) will be published below. If your abstract has been accepted for presentation but it does not appear in the list below, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing VirusesOxford@gmail.com.

Development of a specific multiplexed serological assay for the detection of closely related Flaviviruses

Karina Bingham¹, Anitha Varghese², Kevin Gough¹ & Janet Daly¹

¹School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK

²UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG, UK

Serosurveillance is a useful approach to disease monitoring in human and animal populations to facilitate effective intervention strategies. To date, serosurveillance is rather limited by a single pathogen focus and lacks the ability to distinguish between closely related pathogens i.e. flaviviruses. We developed a specific and multiplexed assay termed Soluble Phage Array (SPAr).  SPAr uses next generation sequencing to interrogate binding properties of a highly diverse phage display peptide library to epitope map polyclonal IgG from infected serum samples. The method uses cohorts of target and control sera in a ‘training’ process to identify peptides of a specific virus, they are then applied in analysis of an independent set of ‘test’ sera to validate the assay. We used 78 serum samples from the Caribbean Public Health Agency from patients infected with Zika (ZIKV) and/or dengue (DENV) viruses.  Screening with commercial ELISA kits to detect ZIKV or DENV antibodies showed most were DENV IgG positive with some also positive for ZIKV IgG and very few positive for only DENV IgG. Thus, a one-way panning strategy of enriching for peptides specifically for ZIKV antibodies was implemented using 20 ZIKV and 20 DENV positive serum samples. An immunosignature was created by deducting peptides recognised by DENV samples 1–10 from the list of peptides frequently recognised by 10 ZIKV antibody-positive samples. An immunosignature score was then generated for ZIKV and DENV samples 11–20. Immunosignature scores were overall higher for ZIKV samples compared to DENV, however one DENV sample had a high immunosignature score suggesting it was ZIKV IgG positive. Samples were then tested using another serological assay and found other ‘DENV-only’ samples had antibodies against ZIKA NS1 that were not detected by the commercial ELISA. Overall, our results demonstrate potential capabilities of the SPAr assay to distinguish between the closely related pathogens such as Zika and dengue.

Harnessing the potential of pseudotyped virus libraries to explore infection and immunity

Kelly A S da Costa, Martin Mayora-Neto & Nigel Temperton

Viral Pseudotype Unit, Medway School of Pharmacy, Universities of Greenwich and Kent, Chatham, Kent, UK

Investigating the earliest events in infection is key to understanding infection and immune responses that could lead to new vaccine or treatment targets. Viral entry and egress are key components in the life cycle of any virus and can be explored using psuedotyped viruses, PV (egress only for flu) expressing viral surface proteins in their native confirmations expressed on the surface of retroviral vectors. PVs have been used to explore the interaction between antibodies and viruses in the past but gained significant exposure and traction during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The VPU have developed a library of best-in-class influenza A and B HA and NA, Influenza C & D PVs to explore both entry and exit pathways. Additionally, a comprehensive and broad library of coronavirus PV including animal coronaviruses, human seasonal, SARS-CoV-1, MERS and SARS-CoV-2 variants from Wuhan through to BA2.86. We demonstrate the use of PVs in a variety of assays including neutralisation, which correlates to wild type virus neutralisation, ELLA, ELISA, ADCD, ADCC and ADE. We show they are suitable for use with different sample types and from a range of animal species including bats, pigs, mice, ferrets & cows as well as humans. We additionally highlight their potential as tools for sero-surveillance, vaccine studies and infection and immunity research.

Dynamics of immune activity in hospitalised patients with different disease stages during and up to 9 months after COVID-19 onset

Dagmara Kobza^1,2, Karolina Aleksandrowicz^1,3, Monika Leśniak¹, Robert Zdanowski¹, Katarzyna Plewka⁴, Krzysztof Kłos⁴, Andrzej Chciałowski⁴

¹Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine ‐ National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland

²School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK

³BioMedChem Doctoral School of the University of Lodz and Lodz Institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences, University of Lodz, Poland

⁴Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Allergology, Military Institute of Medicine ‐ National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland

An excessive immune response is characteristic of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cytokine elevations, known as the cytokine storm, is the overproduction of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules including TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2), RANTES/CCL5, CXCL8/IL-8,  monokine induced by IFN-γ (CXCL9/MIG) or IFN-γ-induced protein 10 (CXCL10/ IP-10). Some patients surviving coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection can develop post-COVID syndrome (long COVID) with pronounced immunological dysfunction. To determine the immune trajectory and identify biomarkers associated with COVID-19, we performed a systematic study of cytokine and chemokine levels in patients with different disease stages and after 90, 180 and 270 days. In this study, 200 adults: 174 hospitalised patients with confirmed COVID-19 sorted into severity groups: severe (n=20) and mild or moderate (n=154), and 26 healthy controls were enrolled. We quantified 12 serum cytokines and chemokines using ELISA assays. Compared to healthy controls, patients with COVID-19 had significantly higher levels of IL-6, CXCL9 and CXCL10. We observed elevated levels of IL-2 differentiating cytokine and chemokine expression between patients with moderate and severe illness. COVID-19 patients showed elevated expression of CXCL9/MIG that remained persistently high at 9 months after infection and can distinguish unexposed donors. MCP-1/CCL2 and CXCL8/IL-8 were increased at 90 and 180/270 days in the post-COVID group compared to healthy volunteers, respectively. We identified several factors, such as reduced expression of IL-6 and RANTES/CCL5 and up-regulated expression of CXCL-10/IP-10 and INF at 270 days in a COVID group. TNF level arose significantly after 9 months from COVID-19 recovery. Initially and during recovery from symptomatic COVID-19 participants had greater concentrations of inflammatory markers suggesting long-term upregulation and persistent inflammation.

Exploring the suitability of DH82α cells for investigation of canine influenza A viruses

Hope E Leverett, Askar Alshammari, Stephen P Dunham, Janet M Daly

One Virology, Wolfson Centre for Global Virus Research, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, LE12 5RD

Current research into influenza A viruses (IAV) affecting companion animals are hampered by the lack of appropriate continuous cell lines. It is also ethically challenging to obtain explant tracheal cultures, and the use of live animals is increasingly discouraged. Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells are commonly used as a model for human epithelial cells and although they are efficient at human IAV growth this has not been confirmed for cIAV. DH82α cells, derived from the bone marrow of a golden retriever, demonstrate similar morphology to macrophages. Receptor staining showed a more equal mix of α2,3 and α2,6 sialic acid receptors for DH82α cells, similar to canine lung cells, than MDCK cells. Recombinant cIAV H3N2 virus was generated using reverse genetics and a 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) was performed in DH82α cells. The cells were infected, the RNA extracted, and the M gene quantified using RT-qPCR. The RNA was sent for long non-coding RNA sequencing. The RNA sequencing read qualities were checked trimmed and poor-quality reads were removed. Salmon was used to align the reads to the transcriptome using a decoy genome. Analysis was then performed on R using DESeq2 and a range of packages. Over 100 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at 6 and 24 hours, with 70 identified at both time points, 10 were observed in the top 20. It was concluded that the cells are promising as a model for investigating the innate immune response and host interaction.

A lyophilised influenza H1-H18 pseudotyped virus library for immunogenicity readouts of pan-influenza vaccines and therapeutics in LMIC facilities

Tobias Mapulanga, K.A.S da Costa, Simon D. Scott & Nigel Temperton

Viral Pseudotype Unit, Medway School of Pharmacy, Universities of Greenwich and Kent, Chatham, Kent, UK

As the focus shifts from seasonal influenza vaccines to the development of universal influenza vaccines capable of eliciting antibodies targeting not only the HA head region but also the HA stem region and NA, there is an urgent need for novel, and innovative platforms that will enable comprehensive immunogenicity assessments across H1 through H18 for pan-subtype protection. Conventional methods for assessing seasonal vaccine efficacy, such as Hemagglutination Inhibition assay (HI), fall short in detecting antibodies against the HA stem region and NA and therefore not suitable for evaluating universal influenza vaccines. Influenza pseudotyped viruses (PVs) are versatile and safe substitutes for wild-type influenza viruses. Their application includes, among others, the evaluation of vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and convalescent plasma. Nevertheless, their adoption in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs),  where -80°C freezer facilities may not be readily available, or affected by frequent power outages, is constrained by stability issues. Influenza A PVs can only be stored and transported at -80°C for long-term use. Additionally, some strains can only endure a limited number of freeze-thaw cycles. Strict adherence to cold chain protocols throughout the supply chain is therefore crucial for maintaining the quality and integrity of PVs. To address these challenges, a library of influenza A PVs comprising subtypes H1 to H18, was produced using transient transfection of HEK293T cells. The PV samples were freeze-dried at -50°C and then stored at 4°C for 4 weeks. Titration and neutralization assays were conducted in a 96-well plate using HEK293T cells for H1-H16 and MCDKII cells as transduction target cells for H17-H18. We successfully produced a library of influenza A PVs for HA subtypes H1 to H18 with titre levels ranging from 2.1x 107 to 4.81 x1010 RLU/ml. The post-lyophilisation recovery rate was between 88.8% to 98.1%. We observed no significant differences in the neutralisation pattern between the un-lyophilised and the lyophilised PVs even though a marginal drop in log IC50 was observed in all lyophilised PVs except in H7. However, the IC50 values were reasonably comparable signifying that the lyophilised PVs were stable and returned their biological function following storage at 4^OC for 4 weeks. We showcase a stable lyophilised influenza A HA1-HA18 PV serology test kit for immunogenicity readouts of pan-influenza vaccines and therapeutics in LMIC facilities.

Detection of Influenza D Antibodies in Dogs, Apulia Region, Italy, 2016 and 2023

Maria G Marotta¹, Serena Marchi², , Ana Moreno⁴, Chiara Chiapponi⁴, Emanuele Montomoli^2,3,5, Gianvito Lanave⁶, Michele Camero⁶, Claudia M Trombetta^2,3 and Vito Martella⁶

¹Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy

²Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy

³VisMederi Research srl, Siena, Italy

⁴Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy

⁵VisMederi srl, Siena, Italy

⁶University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy

Influenza D virus (IDV) was first isolated from pigs in the United States in 2011. Cattle are the main reservoir, but occasional spillover events to other animals have been observed globally. Data on the susceptibility of dogs to IDV are limited. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of IDV in household adult dogs in the Apulia region, Italy. A total of 426 serum samples were collected from dogs in 2016 (n=169) and 2023 (n=257) in Apulia region, Italy. Serum samples were tested by Hemagglutination Inhibition (HI) and Virus Neutralization (VN) assays with D/660 and D/OK lineages. IDV positive samples from 2023 were also analyzed for the presence of Influenza C virus (ICV) antibodies using the human Influenza C/human/Victoria/2/2012 virus. An antibody titer >10 was considered a positivity cutoff both HI and VN assays. In 2016 samples, 2/169 (1.2%) were positive for the D/660 lineage by HI, with one (0.6%) also positive for both IDV lineages by HI and VN assays. In 2023 samples, 12/257 (4.7%) were positive for the D/660 lineage by HI, and 5/12 (41.7%) also showed VN positivity. Additionally, five of the HI positive samples from 2023 also tested positive for antibodies against ICV. Our findings indicate a low prevalence of IDV exposure in household dogs in the Apulia region, suggesting possible exposure sources and highlighting the need for further investigation. Although IDV is not currently considered a major public health threat, continuous surveillance is recommended, particularly in settings with higher viral exposure.

Genetic characterisation of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus isolates from North Macedonia: Insights Behind Human Cases

Zsófia Tauber^1,3, Pavle Banović², Kornélia Kurucz¹, Brigitta Zana¹, Zsófia Lanszki¹, Tamás Görföl¹, Gábor Kemenesi¹, Dejan Jakimovski⁴

¹National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary

²Pasteur Institute Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia

³School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK

⁴Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia

For the first time in nearly fifty years, North Macedonia reported human cases of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in 2023. The establishment of the Balkan Association for Vector-Borne Diseases (BAVBD) and successful epidemiological investigations resulted in identifying and characterising these cases, emphasising the importance of heightened surveillance and diagnostic efforts in the area. In addition to novel cases in 2023, two new cases of CCHF were discovered in patients with no recent travel history beyond North Macedonia, indicating local transmission. The first patient, a herder from a rural location 12km from Serbian border, had chronic nosebleeds, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and impaired kidney function. The second patient, also from a rural area (Arachinovo), presented with fever, abdominal pain, and thrombocytopenia.  According to the genomic and phylogenetic analysis, autochthonous strains were found to be co-circulating, with sequences belonging to the Europe-1 lineage (Genotype V). Notably, the M and L segments from one patient’s isolate clustered with Turkish sequences, suggesting a possible reassortment event. Based on this finding North Macedonia appears to be an interaction zone for different CCHFV isolates from nearby areas. The resurgence of CCHF in the country highlights the need for continued surveillance and rapid diagnostic capabilities to control and reduce the impact of zoonotic diseases. Our study underscores the critical role of the BAVBD in coordinating regional efforts to enhance clinical vigilance and epidemiological response. Future research should focus on the complex ecology of CCHFV in the area to estimate human and animal health risks. The identification of possible viral reassortment underscores the dynamic nature of CCHFV and the need for continuous genetic monitoring to understand transmission patterns and public health impacts.

The use of automated high throughput antiviral compound library screening to validated therapeutics at high containment

Ruth Thom, Lin Eastaugh, Sophie Smither, Amanda Phelps, James Findlay, Chris Jenkins, Izzy Norville, Rachel Ireland

CBR Division Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JQ, United Kingdom

The future of global pandemics caused by known pathogenic or emerging viruses is a constant concern. The development of antiviral therapeutics to treat such virulent pandemic-causing pathogens is critical for patient care and to prevent the spread of infectious disease. An obstacle in research is the availability of suitable facilities to handle these pathogens at high containment, such as containment level (CL) 3 and 4 laboratories, as well as automated technology to rapidly screen antiviral library compounds. Here we describe the development of an antiviral assay using HIV-1 pseudotyped with Ebola glycoprotein (at CL2) as an alternative to live Ebola virus (at CL4). The assay has been specifically designed to be automated using a high throughput liquid handling robot that is capable of completing all the steps of the assay, thus providing the capability to rapidly conduct large-scale antiviral screens. Down-selected antivirals that reduce entry of pseudotyped viruses can be further evaluated against live Ebola virus. We have transferred the antiviral assay to CL4 using an ebolavirus reporter cell line to increase the throughput of the assay and utilise automated plate reading which removes the need for subjective microscope determination of cytopathic effect. Using this assay, we have successfully demonstrated neutralisation of a number of Ebola variants in the presence of the human anti-Ebola monoclonal antibody KZ52. We describe an automated high-throughput platform that can be used to rapidly screen antiviral compound libraries at CL2 and have developed tools to validate promising candidates against live Ebola virus at CL4. This screening platform has the potential to be adapted for a wide range of viruses and would be highly valuable in rapidly identifying antiviral therapeutics for known pathogenic and emerging viruses.