The CEIRR Network recently convened for the Human Surveillance Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, from September 9-11, 2025. Hosted by <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Andrew%20Bowman" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dr. Andrew Bowman</a> of The Ohio State University, affiliated with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital CEIRR (<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/centers/sjceirr" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SJCEIRR</a>) , this event brought together leading research scientists, public health experts, and government representatives to discuss critical developments in influenza virus research using human cohorts.<figure class="image image-style-align-right image_resized" style="width:30.21%;"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/CO_Rs_1_b5966ed09e.jpg"><figcaption>The CEIRR Program’s NIAID leaders learned first-hand about surveillance efforts at the Wayne County Fair. From left to right: Dr. Lauren Byrd-Leotis, Dr. Erik Stemmy, and Steven Black.</figcaption></figure>The meeting aimed to achieve three primary goals: demonstrate the logistics of sampling at the human-animal interface, provide updates on ongoing human surveillance and cohort studies, and identify gaps and areas for future collaboration. The meeting included site visits to two SJCEIRR project sites, the Wayne County Fair and the Cleveland Metroparks.&nbsp;&nbsp;At the Wayne County Fair, participants explored the complexities of the human-animal interface at agricultural events. Presentations from swine producers and public health experts highlighted the diverse perspectives on zoonotic influenza transmission and underscored the practical hurdles of recruiting and sampling participants in these dynamic environments. The visit to Cleveland Metroparks focused on white-tailed deer population management and surveillance efforts related to the reverse zoonosis of SARS-CoV-2, offering valuable insights into wildlife monitoring and public health.&nbsp;Throughout the meeting, researchers from the CEIRR Centers shared updates on various cohort studies, including those focused on indigenous populations, human-animal interfaces, and SARS-CoV-2. Small group discussions focused on Pediatrics, Indigenous/International cohorts, Human/Animal Interface, and General Population cohorts facilitated in-depth discussions on key research gaps and strategies to streamline sample collection and analysis across different cohorts.&nbsp;The CEIRR Human Surveillance Meeting fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers dedicated to combating influenza and emerging pathogens. As the meeting concluded, attendees synthesized priorities and discussed next steps to enhance the CEIRR Network's capabilities in influenza research. The insights gained from this event will guide future efforts to address critical public health challenges.&nbsp;

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The CEIRR Human Surveillance Meeting took place in Cleveland, Ohio from September 9th-11th.

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Advancing Influenza Research: Key Insights from the CEIRR Human Surveillance Meeting

<figure class="image image-style-align-right"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/Gagandeep_Lab_400x533_d5df79ba5b.png?updated_at=2025-08-22T14:41:16.895Z"><figcaption>Gagandeep Singh, Ph.D., Associate Scientist in Florian Krammer’s Lab.</figcaption></figure>The iDPCC is thrilled to spotlight several CEIRR researchers who earned a poster presentation award at the <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/news/ceirr-annual-network-meeting-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">4th Annual CEIRR Network Meeting</a> (ANM). The final spotlight of this series is Gagandeep Singh, Ph.D., an Associate Scientist in <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Florian%20Krammer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florian Krammer’s</a> lab at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, which is affiliated with the Center for Research on Influenza Pathogenesis and Transmission (<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/centers/cript" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CRIPT</a>). Singh earned First Place in the Viral Evolution category for his poster titled “Characterization of the Glycoproteins of Novel Fish Influenza B-like Viruses.”“The novelty and unexplored nature of these viruses is what drives me,” says Singh, who studied an uncharacterized phylogenetic cluster of influenza B-like viruses from fish and amphibians. Because so little is known about these viruses, Singh shared that this research is like “embarking on a brand-new adventure.” Singh and his colleagues evaluated the functions of surface glycoproteins hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) from these understudied viruses, comparing their functions to those from influenza B. They found that each protein behaved differently, with some showing no similarity to influenza B, while others exhibited some or complete similarity. Singh and team also examined the structures of the glycoproteins using cryo-electron microscopy and computational modeling. Singh plans to continue investigating these influenza B-like viruses because, “We don't know a lot about them yet, so it's exciting because every experiment could reveal something significant or unexpected. I'm really motivated by that kind of inquiry and learning.”Singh’s project is a multidisciplinary venture, made possible by the collaborative team who contributed to this work. He noted that the expertise from other labs and access to resources gave him a “better understanding of zoonotic threats, emerging viruses, and how to conduct research with a more collaborative and comprehensive approach.” Singh aims to form further collaborations as he grows as a scientist, stating, “My scientific training has greatly benefitted from the CEIRR Program. It has undoubtedly influenced the way I view my work.”Check out Singh's recent publication on this work in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ady8610" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Science Advances</a>!To learn more about Singh personally, the iDPCC asked several insightful questions:1. Do you have advice for other trainees or students wanting to get started in research?A. Try to get into research early, even if it's just working in a lab. You learn so much more from doing than you do from books, and it also enables you to figure out what kind of science really gets you passionate.2. What is your favorite mundane lab chore?A. Labeling tubes! While most people would find this monotonous, for me it has an oddly satisfying ring to it. It brings a sense of order to chaos. Neat labels, color coded caps, everything in a line. It is, in a sense, giving structure to science.3. What technique, skill, or knowledge are you the “go to” person for in your lab?&nbsp;A. I’m the go-to person in the lab for anything related to serological assays and protein production. Whether it’s running ELISAs or making and purifying viral proteins.

Spotlight

CRIPT

Awards

Phylogenetics

In a multi-disciplinary effort, Singh talks about influenza B-like glycoproteins from fish and amphibians and the benefits of collaboration.

Gagandeep Singh, Ph.D., Associate Scientist in Florian Krammer’s Lab.

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Gagandeep Singh, Associate Scientist and ANM Poster Winner, Examines the Glycoproteins of Influenza B-like Viruses

<figure class="image image-style-align-left image_resized" style="width:40%;"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/Konstantin_and_mentors_700x525_6071e9b0e1.jpg"><figcaption>Dr. Konstantin Andreev (middle) and supervisors Dr. Elena Govorkova (left) and Dr. Richard Webby (right).</figcaption></figure>The iDPCC is thrilled to spotlight several CEIRR researchers who earned a poster presentation award at the 4th Annual CEIRR Network Meeting (<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/news/ceirr-annual-network-meeting-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ANM</a>). Our seventh spotlight of this series is Konstantin Andreev, Ph.D., a postdoctoral research associate in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Richard%20Webby#searchBar" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Webby Lab</a> at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, part of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital CEIRR (<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/centers/sjceirr" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SJCEIRR</a>). Andreev earned First Place in the H5/Risk Assessment category for his poster titled “A Disconnect Between In Vitro and In Vivo Activity of Influenza Antivirals Against Severe Influenza A(H5N1) Clade 2.3.4.4b Infections.”Andreev and his colleagues assessed pandemic risks through predicting the effectiveness of FDA-approved antiviral medications against highly pathogenic influenza A(H5N1) viruses that have the potential for zoonotic spillover. The team evaluated in vivo efficacy of neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir, cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor baloxavir acid (baloxavir), nucleoside analogue favipiravir, and M2 ion channel inhibitor amantadine against novel clade 2.3.4.4b viruses. Phenotypic assays showed that currently circulating influenza strains are susceptible to all antivirals at nano- to micromolar concentrations. However, oseltamivir and favipiravir provided limited survival benefits in mice, and amantadine failed to protect from lethality. Baloxavir was the only drug that was able to control severe A(H5N1) infection and protect 80-100% of mice. The discrepancy between in vitro and in vivo results indicate that in vitro&nbsp;assessment of antiviral drugs against emerging influenza clades may not give the full picture, and underscores the importance of animal studies.Andreev told the iDPCC that his “passion lies less in addressing fundamental scientific questions but rather translating knowledge and discoveries into tangible solutions or innovative products that may benefit humanity.” He believes that “Antivirals play a pivotal role in pandemic preparedness and may serve as first-line countermeasures against emerging strains, when vaccines become unavailable.” Additionally,&nbsp;he credited the CEIRR Program for fostering collaborations, stating “the CEIRR Program brings together leading experts in the field, facilitating the exchange of data, globally collected viral samples, and even opportunities for ‘hands-on’ help.” He highlights that the “coordinated effort is essential for staying ahead of such a fast-moving threat.”&nbsp;To learn more about Andreev, the iDPCC asked several insightful questions:1. Who/what inspired you to go into science in general?A. Although most of my family members were musicians, artists, and entrepreneurs, they had a significant influence on my decision to tie myself to the life sciences, and helped shape my investigative mindset.2. What is one thing on your bucket list?A. One of the things on my to-do list is visiting all 195 countries in the world. So far, I barely made it up to 30 and have a lot of space in my passport for more stamps.&nbsp;3. How have your career interests and plans changed over time?&nbsp;A. My closer interaction with virology has started at a pretty late stage, when I transited a long way from molecular biophysics of cellular membranes and biological interfaces. The unique properties of surface-active biomaterials (a.k.a. surfactants) forming a natural barrier in the lung’s alveoli sparked the idea of its structure to be interfered by respiratory pathogens. To validate my hypothesis, I have joined the lab of Robert Lamb (1950-2023), a renowned virologist, at Northwestern University. Among many RNA viruses, influenza appealed to be the most thrilling one with its uniquely segmented genome organization, ecology, and adaptive evolution. So eventually, I moved to St. Jude where Richard Webby runs one of the very few CEIRR centers, likely the best spot to end up for my research goals.&nbsp;4.&nbsp;Do you have advice for other trainees or students wanting to get started in research?A. Same as for anyone making venture investments: start early, be persistent and patient; let your intellectual capital grow steadily without getting discouraged by occasional steeps and declines.&nbsp;5.&nbsp;What technique, skill, or knowledge are you the “go to” person for in your lab?A. I am routinely involved in phenotypic and sequence screening of the viruses we receive from worldwide to ensure they are susceptible to existing antivirals. We have established and optimized a high-throughput assay to assess sensitivity to polymerase inhibitors with a quicker turnaround time.&nbsp;6.&nbsp;Do you have any hobbies or special interests that you'd like to share?A. Outside of the lab, I am a motorcycle rider, a clumsy scuba diver, and wine and oysters connoisseur.&nbsp;

Andreev describes his innovative research on antiviral drugs and shares his passion for finding tangible solutions to stop potential influenza pandemics.&nbsp;

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Konstantin Andreev, Postdoctoral Research Associate and H5/Assessment Poster Winner, Leverages Antiviral Drugs in the Fight Against Influenza

<figure class="image image-style-align-left image_resized" style="width:35%;"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/CRIPT_workshop_embedded_image_f3f3e3b9be.jpg"><figcaption>CEIRR trainees engage in hands-on learning during the inaugural Antigenic Cartography workshop at the NIAID campus.</figcaption></figure>The CEIRR Center for Research on Influenza Pathogenesis and Transmission (<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/centers/cript" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CRIPT</a>) successfully hosted its inaugural Annual Training Workshop from July 9–10, 2025, at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) campus in Rockville, MD.This intensive 1.5-day event was dedicated to Antigenic Cartography, a crucial tool for understanding and visualizing antigenic differences among pathogens.The workshop offered participants a blend of foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in Antigenic Cartography. University of Cambridge Ph.D. student, Antonia Netzl, and Research Associate, Dr. Sam Turner (laboratory of <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Derek%20Smith" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dr. Derek Smith</a>), led engaging discussions and interactive sessions. Attendees not only deepened their theoretical understanding but also received practical instruction, applying new techniques to their own data with expert support.&nbsp;These experiences equipped participants with valuable insights and skills, further advancing the use of Antigenic Cartography within the CEIRR community.&nbsp;A select group of 25 CEIRR members attended the workshop, creating an intimate environment that encouraged meaningful networking and collaboration. The cohort represented a range of experience levels, including graduate students, staff scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty.&nbsp;Building on the success of this first workshop, CEIRR is committed to continuing its investment in the professional development of its network through future training opportunities.&nbsp;

CEIRR CRIPT held its first Annual Training Workshop on Antigenic Cartography in July 2025, providing members with hands-on learning and collaboration.

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International Congress on Infectious Diseases 2026

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