VIDO Trainees Publish Two Studies on Zoonotic Virus Research

Trainees at the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) are driving new insights into bat immunology and zoonotic virus research with the publication of two new manuscripts. These publications—led by VIDO-USask PhD candidate Victoria Gonzalez (Western College of Veterinary Medicine) and postdoctoral fellows Dr. Benedicte Mpia Moni and Dr. Arianna M. Hurtado Monzón—demonstrate the strength of our research training programs and the cutting-edge research capabilities of our trainees. Currently, VIDO is training more than 79 undergrad, graduate and post-doctoral fellows in its unique facility.

Expanding the bat toolbox (PLOS Biology)

The first study, accepted in PLOS Biology, advances the tools available to study how bats interact with viruses. Bats are natural reservoirs for many viruses that can cause serious illness in humans, yet they often tolerate these infections without disease. Understanding how bats manage these infections is critical to improving our preparedness for future pandemics.

Led by PhD candidate Victoria Gonzalez (supervised by VIDO scientist Dr. Arinjay Banerjee), the research team developed and characterized a panel of bat cell lines and immunological reagents from the Seba’s short-tailed bat (Carollia perspicillata). These tools mimic the bat’s natural cellular environment, making them essential for accurately studying virus-host interactions. The cell lines were shown to be susceptible to a range of viruses—including orthohantaviruses, VSV, and MERS-CoV—and capable of mounting antiviral responses. This foundational work equips the broader scientific community with new, much-needed resources to study bat immunology and zoonotic virus transmission.

“This project gave me the chance to build tools that can help researchers around the world better understand how bats interact with viruses,” said Victoria Gonzalez. “I am very proud of this collaboration with multiple laboratories, including that of Drs. Letko and Seifert.”

Enhancing mpox virus safety protocols (STAR Protocols)

The second study, published in STAR Protocols, outlines a validated method for safely inactivating mpox virus (MPXV) in animal samples within containment level 3. Developed by VIDO-USask postdoctoral fellows Dr. Benedicte Mpia Moni (supervised by VIDO scientists Dr. Antonio Facciuolo and Dr. Arinjay Banerjee) and Dr. Arianna Mahely Hurtado-Monzon (supervised by Dr. Arinjay Banerjee), the protocol uses commercial lysis buffers and includes detailed steps for virus propagation, inactivation, and validation using qPCR and cell-based assays.

This protocol, which focuses on animal samples, not only ensures the safe transfer of materials to lower-containment laboratories but also enables more flexible and extensive research on Mpox in animals. This is a critical component of the One Health approach, contributing to enhanced diagnostic and response capabilities during Mpox outbreaks.

"Working on a protocol that strengthens laboratory safety and outbreak management through a One Health lens has been incredibly meaningful," said Dr. Benedicte Mpia Moni. "We hope this method will facilitate faster and safer research during Mpox outbreaks in both animals and humans."

“It’s rewarding to know our work can make an immediate impact for labs studying mpox and related viruses,” said Dr. Arianna M. Hurtado Monzón. “Collaborating on this kind of translational research is one of the reasons that drew me to VIDO.”

These achievements not only reflect the scientific excellence and perseverance of Ms. Gonzalez, Dr. Moni, and Dr. Hurtado-Monzón, but also highlight an ongoing commitment to world class training of highly skilled researchers who will lead the fight against emerging infectious diseases. As part of USask, VIDO provides trainees with hands-on experience in one of Canada’s most advanced containment facilities, gaining the tools they need to tackle complex global health challenges.

VIDO is working at the forefront of research to build a healthier, safer future—one discovery at a time.