The recent epidemic caused by aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 virus illustrates the importance
and vulnerability of the mucosal epithelial barrier against infection. Antimicrobial proteins …

The lungs are an immunologically unique environment; they are exposed to innumerable
pathogens and particulate matter daily. Appropriate clearance of pathogens and response to …

Background Although recent epidemiological data suggest that pneumococci may contribute
to the risk of SARS-CoV-2 disease, cases of coinfection with Streptococcus pneumoniae in …

Successful colonization of a host requires bacterial adaptation through genetic and
population changes that are incompletely defined. Using chromosomal barcoding and high …

Small animal models have been a challenge for the study of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, with
most investigators using golden hamsters or ferrets. Mice have the advantages of low cost …

Several vaccines targeting bacterial pathogens show reduced efficacy upon concurrent viral
infection, indicating that a new vaccinology approach is required. To identify antigens for the …

The upper respiratory tract (nasopharynx or NP) is the first site of influenza replication,
allowing the virus to disseminate to the lower respiratory tract or promoting community …

Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) is a common pathogen causing a secondary bacterial
infection following influenza, which leads to severe morbidity and mortality during seasonal …

Certain monoinfections of influenza viruses and novel coronaviruses, including severe acute
respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are significant threats to human health …

Influenza A virus (IAV) infections are a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Excess
mortality during IAV epidemics and pandemics is attributable to secondary bacterial …