<figure class="image image-style-align-right"><a href="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/Center+for+Research+on+Influenza+Pathogenesis+and+Transmission+(CRIPT).pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/CRIPT_Infobyte_25p_31ca4b4698.png"></a><figcaption>CRIPT Infobyte highlighting its research portfolio’s major approaches and unique strengths. To view a full-size PDF version, click the image above.</figcaption></figure>The CEIRR Network studies the natural history, transmission, and pathogenesis of influenza and other respiratory viruses of pandemic potential. The seven multidisciplinary and collaborative research Centers provide an international research infrastructure to address respiratory viral outbreaks. One such Center, 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>), seeks to develop tools and expertise in animal surveillance, human clinical studies, diagnostics, vaccination strategies, basic and applied research, and pandemic response efforts. Under the leadership of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Garc%C3%ADa-Sastre" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Adolfo García-Sastre, Ph.D.</a> at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, CRIPT’s studies are categorized into three major sectors:<ol><li>Clinical Studies</li><li>Animal Surveillance</li><li>Fundamental Research</li></ol>Dr. García-Sastre has led CRIPT since the original&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/about/the-legacy-of-ceirs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CEIRS</a> contract that started in 2007, though the Center was originally named&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/about/the-legacy-of-ceirs/ceirs-center-archive#:~:text=Influenza%20Pathogenesis%20(CRIP)-,CRIP,-comprised%20of%20a" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CRIP</a>. He recalled a conversation with Drs.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Fouchier" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ron Fouchier</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Perez" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Daniel Perez</a> about keeping an eye out for program project grants or inter-collaborative grants to study influenza viruses. He noted that “a few months later, the call for the first CEIRS proposal was announced.” The three of them applied together and continue to collaborate in CRIPT today.In describing CRIPT’s scientific aims, Dr. García-Sastre says, “We are flu fighters, and our aim is to get rid of influenza by knowing the weaknesses of our enemy, the influenza virus, and to counter-attack and defend against the virus.” In practice, CRIPT researchers study the evolution, pathogenesis, and transmission of influenza, and other emerging respiratory pathogens, to identify potential weak points and to develop prevention and treatment strategies. The Center’s clinical human cohort studies examine immune responses after infection or vaccination and bridge foundational science with real-world health outcomes. The surveillance work focuses on monitoring the emergence, pathogenesis, and transmission of viruses in animals to detect pandemic threats early. Finally, CRIPT’s fundamental research efforts tackle virus-host interactions, virulence, antigenicity, and immune responses, among other projects, to link to surveillance and clinical outcomes.<figure class="image image-style-align-left"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/CRIPT_PI_Headshot_A_Garcia_Sastre_300x299_8e37f1cacb.jpg"><figcaption>Principal Investigator of CRIPT, Adolfo García-Sastre, Ph.D., Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai</figcaption></figure>Today, more than 55 investigators and collaborators contribute to CRIPT’s mission, publishing over&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/resources/publications?keyword=(Center)%20CRIPT" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">320 publications</a> on the pathogenesis and transmission of influenza and other emerging viruses. Dr. García-Sastre shared two recent publications that represent CRIPT’s priorities:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/resources/publications?keyword=40044729" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">finding genetic risk factors in the virus that expand host range</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/resources/publications?keyword=40652001" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">novel vaccines to mitigate potential pandemic viruses</a>. However, Dr. García-Sastre wanted to emphasize that many other publications could have been selected that represent the same principles and that he is impressed by all the scholarship from the Center. One recent finding that piques his personal interests is the discovery of a new receptor for some influenza viruses – MHC Class II.In addition to its rigorous research studies, CRIPT holds another major responsibility – hosting the CEIRR Training Program. In past years, CRIPT coordinated pairings between trainees and mentors for short stays in the mentor’s lab to learn a particular technique. The program took on a different shape this year by holding an in-person&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/news/cript-hosts-first-annual-training-workshop-on-antigenic-cartography" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Training Workshop on Antigenic Cartography</a> for 25 CEIRR members. After this successful first year, the CRIPT team is excited to continue offering training workshops in the coming years.Envisioning the future,&nbsp;Dr. García-Sastre would love to see the CEIRR Program “expand to other zoonotic pathogens” beyond the predominant emphasis now on influenza and SARS-CoV-2. He aims to “stop all zoonotic viruses,” and looks forward to contributing his expertise to further prevention, treatment, and pandemic response strategies.The iDPCC interviewed Dr. García-Sastre to learn more about his experiences:1. Who/what inspired you to go into science in general?A. My high school biology teacher.2. What is one thing on your bucket list?A. To walk El Camino de Santiago.3. How has your career trajectory changed over time?A. First I wanted to study insects, and I quickly changed to viruses in college, but I still collect insects.4. Do you have advice for early career scientists on career longevity in research?A. Don’t lose your confidence if you are excited about research.&nbsp;And if you are not excited, change, research is not for you.5. What technique, skill, or knowledge are you the “go to” person for in your field?A. Molecular biology of negative strand RNA viruses.6. Do you have any hobbies or special interests that you'd like to share?A. Collecting insects. I also love horror movies, heavy metal music, and classic novels.7. What is your favorite conference that you attended?A. Options for the Control of Influenza.8. What is your favorite country to attend a conference… or a vacation?A. Spain9. Are you a morning person or a night person?A. Both

Spotlight

CRIPT

Influenza

Infobyte

Principal investigator, Dr. García-Sastre, recalls the origin of CRIPT, summarizes its scientific aims, and looks to a future to stop zoonotic viruses.

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The Center for Research on Influenza Pathogenesis and Transmission (CRIPT)

<figure class="image image-style-align-right"><a href="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/Center+for+Influenza+Disease+and+Emergence+Research+(CIDER).pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/CIDER_Infobyte_25p_ce21da9a65.png"></a><figcaption>CIDER Infobyte highlighting major research approaches and unique strengths. To view a full-size PDF version, click the image above.</figcaption></figure>Composed of seven multidisciplinary and collaborative Centers, the CEIRR Network aims to understand the natural history, transmission, and pathogenesis of influenza, and provide an international research infrastructure to address respiratory viral outbreaks. One such Center, the Center for Influenza Disease and Emergence Research (<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/centers/cider" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CIDER</a>), seeks to “understand the natural history of influenza viruses to explain why influenza viruses emerge and cause severe disease, as well as predict virus emergence, trajectory, and impact.” Under the leadership of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Tompkins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">S. Mark Tompkins, Ph.D.</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Rohani" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pejman Rohani, Ph.D.</a>, both at the University of Georgia (UGA), CIDER’s research stands on four interconnected pillars:<ol><li>Pre-clinical Research</li><li>Immunological Characterization</li><li>Modeling and Phylogenetics</li><li>Clinical Research</li></ol>Collaboration and integration are central to CIDER’s approach to studying influenza and have been so even before its inception. Dr. Tompkins was part&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/about/the-legacy-of-ceirs/ceirs-center-archive#:~:text=Research%20and%20Surveillance-,Emory%2DUGA%20CEIRS,-highlighted%20the%20surveillance" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Emory-UGA CEIRS</a> during the original&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/about/the-legacy-of-ceirs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CEIRS</a> contract starting in 2007. In 2018, as Dr. Rohani was co-leading a project with Dr. Tompkins, they decided to explore developing their own Center under what is now known as CEIRR. They noticed that “there had been considerable and diverse growth in influenza-related expertise at UGA over the past decade,” so they leveraged this expertise in an independent proposal based at UGA. By 2019, Drs. Tompkins and Rohani assembled a team of national and international colleagues to complement UGA’s influenza expertise, bringing together novel human cohorts, experimentalists, and computational biologists. They secured “pre-seed funding” from UGA to advance this proposal, which led them to organize a one-day meeting with their collaborators in early 2020 to refine the CEIRR proposal. Over the next couple of months, Drs. Tompkins and Rohani compiled their collaborators’ research sections and wrote the core of the technical proposal, culminating in a “marathon weekend” to complete the successful proposal on March 2, 2020.<figure class="image image-style-align-left"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/CIDER_PI_Headshot_M_Tompkins_300x300_7a1ada21ca.jpg"><figcaption>Principal Investigator of CIDER, S. Mark Tompkins, Ph.D., UGA</figcaption></figure>Today, CIDER’s 24 investigators have shared&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/resources/publications?keyword=(Center)%20CIDER" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over 45 publications</a> on influenza infection, vaccination, and disease severity across multiple continents. Their work has covered large-scale computational, epidemiological, and sequencing approaches to model influenza transmission, track evolution, and forecast seasonal and pandemic trends, as well as more detailed studies to dissect the infection and immune profiles of influenza B viruses. A special branch of CIDER’s research program includes studying influenza dynamics and immunity in human populations with unique characteristics, such as children who develop severe disease, at-risk patients, and unvaccinated and naïve populations. These studies assess the immune, cellular, and molecular profiles of populations who are infected with and/or vaccinated against influenza to characterize responses and improve influenza diagnostics, treatments, and vaccine design.<figure class="image image-style-align-right"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/CIDER_co_PI_Headshot_P_Rohani_300x300_236596963f.jpg"><figcaption>Co-principal Investigator of CIDER, Pejman Rohani, Ph.D., UGA</figcaption></figure>A recent discovery exploring the differential immunity elicited by the two lineages of influenza B virus, Victoria and Yamagata, from Dr. Tompkins’ laboratory greatly excited both leaders from CIDER. “Epidemiological studies and data from human cohorts suggested accelerated divergence of the flu B lineages and potentially distinct post-infection immunity.” When Dr. Tompkins’ team explored these phenomena with pre-clinical models, they found that “recent Victoria lineage viruses elicited immunity against subsequent Victoria and Yamagata infection, while Yamagata infection did not prevent subsequent Victoria infection.” Further, this immunity was partially mediated by neuraminidase-specific antibody responses. The leaders mention that this study “offers insights into possible contributors to the disappearance of the Yamagata lineage in 2020,” and emphasizes the importance of studying influenza B viruses, a particular area of interest for CIDER. To learn more, read the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/resources/publications?keyword=40153499" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">full publication</a>.Looking ahead, Drs. Tompkins’ and Rohani’s vision for the CEIRR Program includes “greater integration of empirical and computational science,” especially in a scientific landscape that stresses speed in responding to outbreaks of emerging viruses with pandemic potential. They also emphasize "high-risk, high-reward" research, meaning pushing the boundaries of difficult but innovative studies. They believe that a large, multi-investigator, multi-disciplinary program with long-term contracts (e.g., 7 years), much like the CEIRR Program’s infrastructure, is ideal to enable “high-risk, high-reward” research. By fostering these studies, CIDER hopes the CEIRR Program will continue to push the boundaries of influenza and respiratory pathogen research, ultimately enhancing pandemic preparedness and response capabilities.The iDPCC interviewed Dr. Tompkins to learn more about his experiences:1. Who/what inspired you to go into science in general?A. Several of my parents and grandparents had careers in biomedical research and medicine. Their stories of their careers were exciting, and their jobs were interesting to me when I was young. In high school in Ontario, I had a biology teacher, Andrew Liptak, who was always excited about science. In class, he would do things like jump up on the bench and dance around to describe Brownian motion, and we would also discuss primary research like the work of Köhler and Milstein, wondering how these discoveries could impact science and the world. His passion, seasoned with a bit of crazy, convinced me to study science in college.2. Do you have any hobbies or special interests that you'd like to share?A. I really enjoy seeing live music and am actively trying to attend as many concerts as I can of all the classic rock bands and artists before they stop touring or die.&nbsp;The Canadian ProgRock trio, RUSH, is my favorite band, and I attended many of their concerts. Sadly, the drummer passed away from glioblastoma in 2020. The remaining members were clear that they would not tour as RUSH without Neil Peart.&nbsp;When that happened, it really energized me to seek out the artists I wanted to see and, if they were touring, attend a show.3. Are you a morning person or a night person?A. I am very much a morning person but occasionally enjoy being a night owl. On those occasions, I am less of a morning person, or I am a cranky morning person.

CIDER

Principal investigators, Drs. Tompkins and Rohani, highlight the value of collaboration, emphasizing its importance from CIDER’s inception to its multidisciplinary research accomplishments.

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The Center for Influenza Disease and Emergence Research (CIDER)

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;

Meetings

SJCEIRR

SARS-CoV-2

Surveillance

Conferences

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.

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.

CEIRR

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