Biology subjects

Zec, S.

Publications and source records attributed to Zec, S..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

A mammalian fibroblast zoo reveals barriers to cross-species virus replication and differential regulation of antiviral immunity

Virus zoonosis represents a continual threat to humans. Viruses emerge in humans directly or indirectly through interactions with mammals. However, our understanding of virus-host susceptibility across the diversity of mammals is limited and experimental model systems are restricted to a very small set of model organisms. Mammals are highly diverse and different habitats, lifestyles, diets, and exposures to different pathogens have driven substantial genetic diversity. We generated a library of primary fibroblasts across 86 mammalian species and used these cells to build an atlas of virus-host susceptibility across a panel of arboviruses that infect diverse mammals including humans. Perturbing the innate immune system revealed some virus-host pairs where restriction is controlled by the immune system and others where there is an incompatibility with host factors. Transcriptomic profiling of the library in response to virus sensing mimicked by poly(I:C) or antiviral signaling with type I interferon reveals a core set of conserved genes that respond as well as substantial species- and order-specific responses. Together these data provide a comparative atlas of innate immune responses across mammals and offer a window into how these systems have evolved across animals.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2020

SARS-CoV-2 Infection And Longitudinal Fecal Screening In Malayan Tigers (Panthera tigris jacksoni), Amur Tigers (Panthera tigris altaica), And African Lions (Panthera leo krugeri) At The Bronx Zoo, New York, USA

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged as the cause of a global pandemic in 2019-2020. In March 2020 New York City became the USA epicenter for the pandemic. On March 27, 2020 a Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni) at the Bronx Zoo in New York City developed a cough and wheezing with subsequent inappetence. Over the next week, an additional Malayan tiger and two Amur tigers (P. t. altaica) in the same building and three lions (Panthera leo krugeri) in a separate building also became ill. The index case was immobilized, and physical examination and bloodwork results were unremarkable. Thoracic radiography and ultrasonography revealed peribronchial cuffing with bronchiectasis, and mild lung consolidation with alveolar-interstitial syndrome, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was identified by real-time, reverse transcriptase PCR (rRT-PCR) on oropharyngeal and nasal swabs and tracheal wash fluid. Cytologic examination of tracheal wash fluid revealed necrosis, and viral RNA was detected in necrotic cells by in situ hybridization, confirming virus-associated tissue damage. SARS-CoV-2 was isolated from the tracheal wash fluid of the index case, as well as the feces from one Amur tiger and one lion. Fecal viral RNA shedding was confirmed in all seven clinical cases and an asymptomatic Amur tiger. Respiratory signs abated within 1-5 days for most animals, though persisted intermittently for 16 days in the index case. Fecal RNA shedding persisted for as long as 35 days beyond cessation of respiratory signs. This case series describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and management of tigers and lions infected with SARS-CoV-2, and describes the duration of viral RNA fecal shedding in these cases. This report documents the first known natural transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to animals in the USA, and is the first report of SARS-CoV-2 in non-domestic felids.

zoology↗

bioRxiv2020

From people to Panthera: Natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in tigers and lions at the Bronx Zoo

We describe the first cases of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection detected in animals in the United States. In March 2020, four tigers and three lions at the Bronx Zoo developed mild respiratory signs. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected by rRT-PCR in respiratory secretions and/or feces from all seven affected animals; viral RNA and/or antibodies were detected in their keepers. SARS-CoV-2 was isolated from respiratory secretions or feces from three affected animals; in situ hybridization co-localized viral RNA with cellular damage. Whole genome sequence and haplotype network analyses showed tigers and lions were infected with two different SARS-CoV-2 strains, suggesting independent viral introductions. The source of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the lions is unknown. Epidemiological data and genetic similarities between keeper and tiger viruses indicate human to animal transmission.

pathology↗