PAST MEMBERS

Post-Docs

Yanling Yang, PhD (2021-2025)

Postdoctoral Researcher

Went to: Postdoc Ding Lab, WashU

yanlingy@wustl.edu

Publications:

1. Gonzalez-Aparicio LJ, Yang Y, Hackbart MS, and López CB (2023).Copy-back viral genomes induce a cellular stress response that interferes with viral protein expression without affecting antiviral immunity https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.17.541157v2. PLoS Biology Nov 20;21(11):e3002381.2. Castro I, Yang Y, Gnazzo V, Kim DH, Van Dyken SJ, López CB (2023) Murine Parainfluenza Virus Persists in Lung Innate Immune Cells Sustaining Chronic Lung Pathology. [preprint: bioRxiv 2023.11.07.566103] Nat. Microbiol., https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-024-01805-8.3. Li X, Yang Y, López CB (2024) Indiscriminate activities of different Henipavirus polymerase complex proteins allow for efficient minigenome replication in hybrid systems. [preprint: bioRxiv 2024.03.18.585482] Journal of Virology, Jun 13;98(6):e0050324. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00503-24. 4. Yang Y, Wang Y, Campbell D, Lee HW, Wang, L, Baldridge M and López CB (2024) SLC35A2 modulates paramyxovirus fusion events during infection. [preprint: bioRxiv 2024.08.27.609835]. PLoS Pathogens Jan 10;21(1):e1012531. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012531. PMID: 39792924.5. Pye SE, Achouri E, Yang Y, Musa A and López CB (2025) Validation of diverse and previously untraceable Sendai virus copyback viral genomes by Direct RNA Sequencing. [preprint: bioRxiv 2025.04.04.647164v2] Journal of Virology, Aug 19;99(8):e0089425. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00894-25. PMID: 40742273. 6. Yang Y, Wang Y, and López CB (2026) Variable and conserved features of copy-back viral genome populations generated de novo during Sendai virus infection [preprint: bioRxiv 2025.10.21.683696v1] Journal of Virology, Jan 9; 0:e01805-25. https://doi.org/10.1128/jvi.01805-25. PMID: 41511081.7. Yang Y, Achouri E, Tambo M and López CB (2026) Detailed single-cell mapping of the transcriptional response to a virus infection driven by copy-back viral genomes. [preprint: bioRxiv 2026.01.06.697933v1] Submitted.

Victoria Gnazzo, PhD (2021-2025)

Postdoctoral Researcher

Went to: Scientist at Omniose

Publications:

1. Fisher DG, Gazzo V, Holthausen D and López CB. (2022) Non-standard viral genome-derived RNA activates TLR3 and type I IFN signaling to induce cDC1-dependent CD8+ T-cell responses during vaccination in mice. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.09.495494v1.full. Vaccine 40: 7270-7279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.10.052 2. Castro I, Yang Y, Gnazzo V, Kim DH, Van Dyken SJ, López CB (2023) Murine Parainfluenza Virus Persists in Lung Innate Immune Cells Sustaining Chronic Lung Pathology. [preprint: bioRxiv 2023.11.07.566103] Nat. Microbiol., https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-024-01805-8.3. Gnazzo V, Saleh H, Castro I, Boon AJ, Brien J and López CB (2024) DDO-adjuvanted influenza A virus nucleoprotein mRNA vaccine induces robust humoral and cellular type 1 immune responses and protects mice from challenge [preprint: bioRxiv 2024.10.27.620508v1]. mBio, 10.1128/mbio.03589-24. PMID: 39692514. 4. Castro IA*, Terada Y*, Yokoyama Y*, Bery AI, Li W, Amrute JM, Liu CR, Bai JZ, Gnazzo V, Turnquist HR, Lavine KJ, Krupnick AS, Gelman AE, Ritter JH, Blatter JA, Wang D, López CB#, Kreisel D# (2025). Tolerogenic Lung Immune Microenvironment Suppresses Pathogenic Tissue Remodeling Following Respiratory Virus Infection in Mice. American Journal of Transplantation, 25 (2025) 2515–2528. * co-first authors, #co-corresponding authors .5. Hackbart MS, Wang P, Gnazzo V and López CB. (2025) Terminal Loop Sequences in Viral Double-Stranded RNA Modulate RIG-I Signaling. [preprint: bioRxiv 2025.08.02.668285v1]Submitted

Lavinia Gonzalez-Aparicio (2018-2025)

Graduate student (2018-2023) / Postdoctoral Researcher (2023-2025)

Went to: Assistant Professor at North Central College

Publications:

1. Gonzalez Aparicio LJ, López CB and Felt SA (2022) (Review) A Virus is a Community: Diversity within Negative Sense RNA Virus Populations. MMBR, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/mmbr.00086-21 .2. Gonzalez-Aparicio LJ, Yang Y, Hackbart MS, and López CB (2023).Copy-back viral genomes induce a cellular stress response that interferes with viral protein expression without affecting antiviral immunity https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.17.541157v2. PLoS Biology Nov 20;21(11):e3002381 .3. Gonzalez-Aparicio, LJ. and López CB (2024) (Review). Selection of non-standard viral genomes during the evolution of RNA viruses: A virus survival strategy or a pesky inconvenience? Advances in Virus Research Vol. 119. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.aivir.2024.05.002.

Munyaradzi Tambo, PhD (2020-2024)

Postdoctoral Researcher

Helen Hay Whitney Foundation Fellow (2022)

Publications:

1.Yang Y, Achouri E, Tambo M and López CB (2026) Detailed single-cell mapping of the transcriptional response to a virus infection driven by copy-back viral genomes. [preprint: bioRxiv 2026.01.06.697933v1] Submitted.

Daniel Rensetti, PhD (2021-2023)

Postdoctoral Researcher

Went to: Postdoc, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain

Go to Blog

Sebastien Felt, PhD (2017-2023)

Postdoctoral Researcher (2017-2022) / Staff Scientist (2022 - 2023)

Went to: BioNTech SE, Mainz, Germany as Scientist Immunomodulators

Publications:

1. Sun Y, Kim EJ, Felt SA, Taylor LJ, Agarwal D, Grant GR, and López CB. (2019) A specific sequence in the genome of respiratory syncytial virus regulates the generation of copy-back defective viral genomes [Preprint: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/early/2018/06/16/349001]. PloS Pathogens, 15(4): e1007707. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1007707. 2. Felt SA, Sun Y, Jozwik A, Para A, Habibi MS, Nickle D, Anderson L, Achouri E, Feemster K, Cardenas AM, Turi KN, Chang M, Hartert TV, Sengupta S, Chiu C, and López CB (2021). Detection of Respiratory syncytial virus defective genomes in nasal secretions is associated with distinct clinical outcomes. Nat. Microbiol., https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-021-00882-3.3. Felt SA and López CB (2022) Harnessing defective viruses to fight infections. Med, 3 1-2 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medj.2021.12.0064. Gonzalez Aparicio LJ, López CB and Felt SA (2022) (Review) A Virus is a Community: Diversity within Negative Sense RNA Virus Populations. MMBR, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/mmbr.00086-21.5. Felt SA, Achouri E, Faber SR and López CB (2022). Accumulation of copy-back viral genomes during respiratory syncytial virus infection is preceded by diversification of the copy-back genome population followed by selection. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.25.493350v16. Achouri E, Felt SA, Hackbart MS, Rivera-Espinal NS and López CB. (2023) VODKA2: A fast and accurate method to detect non-standard viral genomes from large RNA-seq datasets https://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.05.17.541157v1. RNA. In Press.

Yan Sun, PhD (2013-2020)

Postdoctoral Researcher (2013-2018) / Research Associate (2018-2020)

Went to: Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Rochester, NY.

Publications:

1. Mercado-López M, Cotter CR, Kim WK, Muñoz L, Sun Y, Tapia K, and López CB. (2013) Highly Immunostimulatory RNA Derived from a Sendai Virus Defective Viral Genome. Vaccine. 2013 Oct 4. pii: S0264-410X(13)01294-2. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.09.040. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 2409987. PubMed link.2. Tapia K, Kim WK, Sun Y, Mercado-López X, Dunay E, Wise M, Adu M, and López CB. (2013) Defective Viral Genomes Arising In Vivo Provide Critical Danger Signals for the Triggering of Lung Antiviral Immunity. PLOS Pathogens 9(10): e1003703. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1003703. * Featured Article. *Co-first authors. PubMed link3. Sun Y, Jain D, Koziol-White CJ, Genoyer E, Gilbert M, Tapia K, Panettieri RA, Hodinka RL, and López CB. (2015) Immunostimulatory Defective Viral Genomes Promote Strong Innate Antiviral Responses During Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Mice and Humans. PLOS Pathogens. 11(9): e1005122. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1005122 PubMed link4. Sun Y and López CB. (2016) Preparation of respiratory syncytial virus stocks and purification of defective viral particles. Bio-protocol 6(10): e1820. http://www.bio-protocol.org/e1820. 5. Sun Y and López CB. (2016) Respiratory syncytial virus infection in mice and detection of viral genomes in the lung using RT-qPCR. Bio-protocol 6(10): e1819. http://www.bio-protocol.org/e1819.6. Sun Y and López CB. (2016) The innate immune response to RSV: Advances in our understanding of critical viral and host factors (Review). Vaccine http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.09.030 7. Muallem G, Wagage S, Sun Y, DeLong JH, Valenzuela A, Harms Pritchard G, Christian, DA, Fang, Q, Buza E, Jain D, Elloso MM, López CB#, and Hunter CA#. (2017) IL-27 Limits Type 2 Immunopathology Following Parainfluenza Virus Infection. PLOS Pathogens 13(1):e1006173. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006173. #Senior authors. Publication link.8. Kenny A, Dowdle JA, Bozzacco L, McMichael TM, St. Gelais C, Panfil AR, Sun Y, Anderson MZ, Green PL, López CB, Rosenberg BR, Wu L, and Yount JS. Human Genetic Determinants of Viral Diseases (2017) (Review), Annual Reviews of Genetics. doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-genet-120116-023425. Publication link9. Xu J,* Sun Y*, Li Y, Ruthel G, Weiss SR, Raj, A, Beiting D and López CB. (2017) Replication Defective Viral Genomes Exploit A Cellular Pro-Survival Mechanism To Establish Paramyxovirus Persistence. [Preprint: BioRxiv, doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/120766]. Nature Communications Oct 6;8(1):799. doi: 10.1038/s41467-017-00909-6. Publication link.10. Sun Y, Kim EJ, Felt SA, Taylor LJ, Agarwal D, Grant GR, and López CB. (2019) A specific sequence in the genome of respiratory syncytial virus regulates the generation of copy-back defective viral genomes [Preprint: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/early/2018/06/16/349001]. PloS Pathogens, 15(4): e1007707. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1007707. 11.Felt SA, Sun Y, Jozwik A, Para A, Habibi MS, Nickle D, Anderson L, Achouri E, Feemster K, Cardenas AM, Turi KN, Chang M, Hartert TV, Sengupta S, Chiu C, and López CB (2021). Detection of Respiratory syncytial virus defective genomes in nasal secretions is associated with distinct clinical outcomes. Nat. Microbiol., https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-021-00882-3.

Saori Suzuki, PhD (2019)

*Saori could not move with the lab to St. Louis and she had to left us way too early!

Current position: Japan

Jie Xu, Ph.D. (2014-2017)

Current position: Project Management Scientist / Senior Fellow. Abmart Inc-China Northwestern University Joint Research Institute. Shanghai, China.

Publications:

1. Xu J, Mercado-López X, Grier J, Kim W, Chun L, Irvine EB, Del Toro Y, Kell A, Hur S, Gale M, Raj A, and López CB. (2015) Identification of a Natural Viral RNA Motif that Facilitates Viral Recognition by RIG-I-Like Receptors. mBio 6(5):e01265-15. doi:10.1128/mBio.01265-15. PubMed link2. Xu J,* Sun Y*, Li Y, Ruthel G, Weiss SR, Raj, A, Beiting D and López CB. (2017) Replication Defective Viral Genomes Exploit A Cellular Pro-Survival Mechanism To Establish Paramyxovirus Persistence. [Preprint: BioRxiv, doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/120766]. Nature Communications Oct 6;8(1):799. doi: 10.1038/s41467-017-00909-6. Publication link.

Jennifer Grier, Ph.D. (2013-2016)

Went to: Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology, Linfield College, OR.

Current position: Clinical Assistant Professor of Immunology at University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, USA

Publications:

1. Xu J, Mercado-López X, Grier J, Kim W, Chun L, Irvine EB, Del Toro Y, Kell A, Hur S, Gale M, Raj A, and López CB. (2015) Identification of a Natural Viral RNA Motif that Facilitates Viral Recognition by RIG-I-Like Receptors. mBio 6(5):e01265-15. doi:10.1128/mBio.01265-15. PubMed link2. Philip NH, DeLaney A, Peterson LW, Santos-Marerro M, Grier JT, Sun Y, Wynosky-Dolfi MA, Zwack EE, Hu B, Olson TM, Rongvaux A, Pope SD, López CB, Oberst A, Beiting DP, Henao-Mejia J, and Brodsky IE. (2016) Activity of Uncleaved Caspase-8 Controls Anti-bacterial Immune Defense and TLR-Induced Cytokine Production Independent of Cell Death PLOS Pathogens 12(10): e1005910. doi:10.1371/ journal.ppat.1005910. Publication link.

Xiomara Mercado-López, Ph.D. (2010-2013)

Went to: Assistant Professor, Universidad de Puerto Rico, Campus Arecibo.

Currently: Post doctoral fellow, UPenn

Publications:

1. Mercado-López X, Cotter CR, Kim WK, Muñoz L, Sun Y, Tapia K, and López CB. (2013) Highly Immunostimulatory RNA Derived from a Sendai Virus Defective Viral Genome. Vaccine. 2013 Oct 4. pii: S0264-410X(13)01294-2. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.09.040. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 2409987. PubMed link.2. Tapia K, Kim WK, Sun Y, Mercado-López X, Dunay E, Wise M, Adu M, and López CB. (2013) Defective Viral Genomes Arising In Vivo Provide Critical Danger Signals for the Triggering of Lung Antiviral Immunity. PLOS Pathogens 9(10): e1003703. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1003703. * Featured Article. *Co-first authors. PubMed link3. Xu J, Mercado-López X, Grier J, Kim W, Chun L, Irvine EB, Del Toro Y, Kell A, Hur S, Gale M, Raj A, and López CB. (2015) Identification of a Natural Viral RNA Motif that Facilitates Viral Recognition by RIG-I-Like Receptors. mBio 6(5):e01265-15. doi:10.1128/mBio.01265-15. PubMed link

Maria Ines Barria, PhD (2009-2010)

Went to: Postdoctoral Fellow, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY

Current position: Assistant Professor University of Concepcion, Chile.

Graduate Students

Rosa Maria Mendes Viana (2023-2024)

Visiting Student/Graduate Student, joined the lab in October2023

University of Sao Paulo, Brasil

Went to: Back to Brazil to finish her PhD

Devin Fisher (2016-2020)

Position in the Lopez Lab: MVP Program, Cell & Molecular Biology Graduate Group, UPenn

Went To: Science Communications at the Vaccine Research Center, NIH

Publications:

1. Fisher DG, Coppock GM, and López CB (2018) Virus-derived immunostimulatory RNA induces type I IFN-dependent antibodies and T-cell responses during vaccination. Vaccine, 36(28):4039-4045. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.05.100. Publication link.2. Sengupta S, Tang S, Devine J, Anderson S, Nayak S, Zhang C, Valenzuela A, Fisher D, Grant G, López CB, and FitzGerald G. (2019) Circadian control of lung inflammation in influenza infection. Nature Communications, doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-11400-9. 3. Fisher DG, Gazzo V, Holthausen D and López CB. (2022) Non-standard viral genome-derived RNA activates TLR3 and type I IFN signaling to induce cDC1-dependent CD8+ T-cell responses during vaccination in mice. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.09.495494v1.full. In press, Vaccine.

Emmanuelle Genoyer (2015-2020)

Position in the Lopez Lab: Graduate Student, MVP Program, Cell & Molecular Biology Graduate Group, UPenn

Went to: Postdoc at the Gale Lab in the University of Washington in Seattle

Publications:

1. Sun Y, Jain D, Koziol-White CJ, Genoyer E, Gilbert M, Tapia K, Panettieri RA, Hodinka RL, and López CB. (2015) Immunostimulatory Defective Viral Genomes Promote Strong Innate Antiviral Responses During Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Mice and Humans. PLOS Pathogens. 11(9): e1005122. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1005122 PubMed link2. Genoyer E and López CB (2019) Distinct intracellular distribution of full-length and defective viral RNA genomes drives functional heterogeneity during infection. J. Virol. DOI: 10.1128/JVI.01579-18. Publication link3. Genoyer E and López CB. (2019) (Review) The Impact of Defective Viruses on Infection and Immunity. Annu Rev Virol. doi: 10.1146/annurev-virology-092818-0156524. Genoyer E, Kulej K, Hung CT, Thibault PA, Azarm K, Takimoto T, Garcia BA, Lee B, Lakdawala S, Weitzman WD and López CB (2020). The Viral Polymerase Complex Mediates the Interaction of vRNPs with Recycling Endosomes During SeV Assembly. mBio, https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.02028-20..

Tomaz Manzoni (2017-2019)

Position in the Lopez Lab: Graduate Student, MVP Program, Cell & Molecular Biology Graduate Group, UPenn

Went to: Continue PhD work in Paul Bates Lab @ UPenn as he could not relocate to St Louis with the Lab

Publications:

1. Manzoni TB and López CB. (2018) (Review) Defective (Interfering) Viral Genomes Re-Explored: Impact on Antiviral Immunity and Virus Persistence. Future Virology. Published online: DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2018-0021.2. García GL, Valenzuela A, Manzoni TB, Vaughan A, and López CB (2020) Distinct chronic post-viral lung disease upon infection with influenza or parainfluenza viruses differentially impact superinfection outcome. Am. J. Pathol. 190/3.3.Gonzalez-Aparicio LJ, Yang Y, Hackbart MS, Manzoni TB, and López CB (2023) Copyback viral genomes trigger stress granule formation independent of the antiviral response to interfere with viral translation in acute and persistent infections. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.05.17.541157.

Jia Xue (2013-2015)

Position in the Lopez Lab: Visiting Scholar Graduate Student

Went to: finish her PhD in China

Publications:

1. Benitez AA, Panis M, Xue J, Shim JV, Varble A, Frick AL, López CB, Sachs D, and tenOever BR. (2015) In vivo RNAi screening identifies MDA5 as a contributor to the cellular defense against influenza A virus. Cell Reports, published online on 11 June, 2015doi:10.1016/j.celrep.2015.05.032. PubMed link.2. Xue J, Chambers BS, Hensley SE and López CB. (2016) Propagation and characterization of influenza virus stocks that are not loaded with defective viral genomes and hemagglutinin mutations. Front. Microbiol. 7:326 doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.0032. PubMed link3. Zhang T, Yin C, Boyd DF, Quarato G, Ingram JP, Shubina M, Ragan KB, Ishizuka T, Tummers B, Rodriguez D, Xue J, Kaiser WJ, López CB, Xu Y, Upton JW, Thomas PG, Green DR, and Balachandran S (2020). Influenza virus Z-RNAs induce ZBP1-mediated necroptosis. Cell 181, 1115–1129.

Won-keun Kim (2008-2013)

Position in the Lopez Lab: Graduate Student, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY.

Went to: Research Instructor, Korea University

Current position: Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Hallym University, Korea.

Publications:

1.Cotter C, Kim WK, Nguyen M, Yount J, López CB, Blaho, and Moran TM. (2011) The Virion Host Shut-off (vhs) Protein of HSV-1 Blocks the Replication-Independent Activation of NF-κB in Dendritic Cells. J. Virol. Sept 21, EPub Ahead of Print. PMID: 2193765. PubMed link.2. Mercado-López X, Cotter CR, Kim WK, Muñoz L, Sun Y, Tapia K, and López CB. (2013) Highly Immunostimulatory RNA Derived from a Sendai Virus Defective Viral Genome. Vaccine. 2013 Oct 4. pii: S0264-410X(13)01294-2. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.09.040. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 2409987. PubMed link.3. Tapia K, Kim WK, Sun Y, Mercado-López X, Dunay E, Wise M, Adu M, and López CB. (2013) Defective Viral Genomes Arising In Vivo Provide Critical Danger Signals for the Triggering of Lung Antiviral Immunity. PLOS Pathogens 9(10): e1003703. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1003703. * Featured Article. *Co-first authors. PubMed link4. Kim WK, Jain D, Sánchez MD, Koziol-White C, Matthews K, Ge M, Haczku A, Panettieri RA, Frieman MB, and López CB. (2014) Deficiency of Melanoma Differentiation-associated protein 5 results in Exacerbated Chronic Post-Viral Lung Inflammation. Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 189(4):437-48. doi: 10.1164/rccm.201307-1338OC. PMID: 24417465. PubMed link.5. Xu J, Mercado-López X, Grier J, Kim WK, Chun L, Irvine EB, Del Toro Y, Kell A, Hur S, Gale M, Raj A, and López CB. (2015) Identification of a Natural Viral RNA Motif that Facilitates Viral Recognition by RIG-I-Like Receptors. mBio 6(5):e01265-15. doi:10.1128/mBio.01265-15. PubMed link

Tamar Hermesh (2005-2010)

Position in the Lopez Lab: Graduate Student (co-mentor), Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY.

Went to: Postdoctoral Fellow, Rockefeller University, NY

Current: Medical Intern Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Israel

Publications:

1. López CB, Yount JS, Hermesh T and Moran TM. (2006) Sendai Virus Infection Induces Efficient Adaptive Immunity Independently of Type I IFNs. J. Virol. 80:4538-4545. PMID: 16611914, PMCID: PMC1472017. PubMed link.2. Moltedo B, López CB, Pazos M, Becker MI, Hermesh T and Moran TM. (2009) Cutting Edge: stealth Influenza Virus Replication Precedes the Initiation of Adaptive Immunity. J. Immunol. 183:3569-3573. PMID: 19717515. PubMed link. 3. Hermesh T, Moltedo B, Moran TM and López CB. (2010) Antiviral Instruction of Bone Marrow Leukocytes during Respiratory Viral Infections. Cell Host & Microbe.7:343-353. PMID: 20478536. PMCID: PMC2874206 * Featured Article and Previewed. PubMed link.4. Hermesh T, Moltedo B, López CB and Moran TM. (2010) Buying Time—The Immune System Determinants of the Incubation Period to Respiratory Viruses-Review. Viruses 2:2541-2558. PMID: 21994630 PMCID: PMC3185581. PubMed link.5. Hermesh T, Moran TM, Jain. D, and López CB. (2012) Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor protects mice during respiratory virus infections. PLOS One 7(5): e37334. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0037334. PMID: 22615983 PMCID: PMC3353936. PubMed link.

Jacob Yount (2002-2007)

Position in the Lopez Lab: Graduate Student (co-mentor), Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY.

Went to: Postdoctoral Fellow, Rockefeller University, NY

Current position: Associate Professor with tenure, Center for Microbial Interface Biology, Ohio State University.

Publications:

1. López CB, Yount JS and Moran TM. (2006) Minireview. TLR-independent Triggering of Dendritic Cell Maturation by Viruses. J. Virol. 80:3128-3134. PMID: 16505141, PMCID: PMC1440398. PubMed link.2. López CB, Yount JS, Hermesh T and Moran TM. (2006) Sendai Virus Infection Induces Efficient Adaptive Immunity Independently of Type I IFNs. J. Virol. 80:4538-4545. PMID: 16611914, PMCID: PMC1472017. PubMed link.3. Yount JS, Kraus T, Horvath C, Moran TM and López CB. (2006) A Novel Role for Defective Interfering Particles in Enhancing Dendritic Cell Maturation. J. Immunol. 177:4503-4513. PMID: 16982887. PubMed link.4. Yount JS, Moran TM and López CB. (2007) Cytokine-Independent Upregulation of MDA5 in Viral Infection. J. Virol. 81:7316-7319. PMID: 17475649, PMCID: PMC1933291. PubMed link. 5. Yount JS, Gitlin L, Moran TM and López CB. (2008) MDA5 Participates in the Detection of Paramyxovirus Infection and is Essential for the Early Activation of DCs in Response to SeV DI Particles. J. Immunol. 180:4910-4919. PMID: 18354215. PubMed link. 6. Cotter C, Kim WK, Nguyen M, Yount J, López CB, Blaho, and Moran TM. (2011) The Virion Host Shut-off (vhs) Protein of HSV-1 Blocks the Replication-Independent Activation of NF-κB in Dendritic Cells. J. Virol. Sept 21, EPub Ahead of Print. PMID: 2193765. PubMed link.

Vet Students

Ali Sanz (summer 2017)

PennVet Student

Emma Price (summer 2016, winter 2018/19)

PennVet Student

Undergrads

Patrick Wang (2021-2024)

Undergrad

Washington University Scholars Program in Medicine

Went to: Medical School at University of Chicago

Publications:

Hackbart MS, Wang P, Gnazzo V and López CB. (2025) Terminal Loop Sequences in Viral Double-Stranded RNA Modulate RIG-I Signaling. [preprint: bioRxiv 2025.08.02.668285v1]Submitted

Katherine Novak (2019)

Undergrad Researcher

Vagelos LSM program, School of Arts and Sciences, UPenn.

Geyon Lee Garcia (2016-2019)

Post-Bach trainee and PREP scholar, UPenn

Went to: MD/PHD program at University of Pittsburgh

Publications:

García GL, Valenzuela A, Manzoni T, Vaughan A, and López CB (2020) Distinct chronic post-viral lung disease upon infection with influenza or parainfluenza viruses differentially impact superinfection outcome. Am. J. Pathol. 190/3.

Ker-Cheng Chen (2017)

Undergraduate Student, 2017,UPenn

Position: School of Arts & Sciences, UPenn.

Christiana Shaw (2016)

Undergraduate Student, UPenn

School of Arts & Sciences, UPenn

Current Position: Investment Banking Analyst at TD Securities

Lauren Chun (2014-2016)

School of Arts & Sciences, UPenn

Went to: Research Assistant @ UCSF

Current position: MD student at UCSD

Publications:

Xu J, Mercado-López X, Grier J, Kim WK, Chun L, Irvine EB, Del Toro Y, Kell A, Hur S, Gale M, Raj A, and López CB. (2015) Identification of a Natural Viral RNA Motif that Facilitates Viral Recognition by RIG-I-Like Receptors. mBio 6(5):e01265-15. doi:10.1128/mBio.01265-15. PubMed link

Derek Standlee (2014-2016)

School of Arts & Sciences, UPenn

Went to: Vet School at Tufts.

Micah Gilbert (2013-2015)

School of Arts & Sciences, UPenn

Publications:

Sun Y, Jain D, Koziol-White CJ, Genoyer E, Gilbert M, Tapia K, Panettieri RA, Hodinka RL, and López CB. (2015) Immunostimulatory Defective Viral Genomes Promote Strong Innate Antiviral Responses During Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Mice and Humans. PLOS Pathogens. 11(9): e1005122. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1005122 PubMed link

Emily Dunay (2011-2015)

School of Arts & Sciences, UPenn

Went to: Vet School University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

Publications:

Tapia K, Kim WK, Sun Y, Mercado-López X, Dunay E, Wise M, Adu M, and López CB. (2013) Defective Viral Genomes Arising In Vivo Provide Critical Danger Signals for the Triggering of Lung Antiviral Immunity. PLOS Pathogens 9(10): e1003703. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1003703. * Featured Article. *Co-first authors. PubMed link

Lakshmi Bhagavathula (2012-2013)

UPenn, Master in Biotechnology

Went to: Research Specialist Penn Gene Targeting Core

Next position: Graduate Student (PhD) at Rutgers University, NJ.

Olga Herrera (2009-2010)

PREP Student, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY.

Went to: continued PREP program at Mount Sinai, NY.

Current position: Research Associate at Regeneron, NY.

Lab Managers, Research Assistants, Technicians

Abdulafiz Musa (2023-2025)

Position: Senior Research Technician

Went to: Developmental Scientist, Maryland Department of Health Laboratories Administration

Publications:

1. Musa AO*, Faber SR*, Forrest K, Smith KP, Sengupta S and López CB (2024) Identification of distinct genotypes in circulating RSV A strains based on variants on the virus replication-associated genes. [preprint: bioRxiv 2024.04.22.5590570v2]. Journal of Virology, doi: 10.1128/jvi.00990-24. *authors contributed equally2. Pye SE, Achouri E, Yang Y, Musa A and López CB (2025) Validation of diverse and previously untraceable Sendai virus copyback viral genomes by Direct RNA Sequencing. [preprint: bioRxiv 2025.04.04.647164v2]. Journal of Virology, Aug 19;99(8):e0089425. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00894-25. PMID: 40742273.

David Holthausen, PhD (2020-2023)

Position: Lab Manager

Went to: Research Microbiologist at USDA, ARS, RIDU

Publications:

Hanaa Saleh (2020-2023)

Position: Visiting Scholar

Went to: Graduate Student at Saint Louis University

Publications:

Gnazzo V, Saleh H, Castro I, Boon AJ, Brien J and López CB (2024) DDO-adjuvanted influenza A virus nucleoprotein mRNA vaccine induces robust humoral and cellular type 1 immune responses and protects mice from challenge [preprint: bioRxiv 2024.10.27.620508v1]. Submitted.

Alex Valenzuela (2015-2017)

Position: Research Specialists A

Went to: Post bach at UCSF

Current: MD student at UCLA

Publications:

1. Muallem G, Wagage S, Sun Y, DeLong JH, Valenzuela A, Harms Pritchard G, Christian, DA, Fang, Q, Buza E, Jain D, Elloso MM, López CB#, and Hunter CA#. (2017) IL-27 Limits Type 2 Immunopathology Following Parainfluenza Virus Infection. PLOS Pathogens 13(1):e1006173. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006173. #Senior authors. Publication link.2.Sengupta S, Tang S, Devine J, Anderson S, Nayak S, Zhang C, Valenzuela A, Fisher D, Grant G, López CB, and FitzGerald G. (2019) Circadian control of lung inflammation in influenza infection. Nature Communications, doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-11400-9.3. García GL, Valenzuela A, Manzoni T, Vaughan A, and López CB (2020) Distinct chronic post-viral lung disease upon infection with influenza or parainfluenza viruses differentially impact superinfection outcome. Am. J. Pathol. 190/3.

Deepika Jain, Ph.D (2011-2014)

Position: Research Specialist D / Lab Manager.

Went to: Eurofins Group, PA

Current Position: Analytical and Quality Control Scientist/Manager at Eurofins Group, PA

Publications:

1. Hermesh T, Moran TM, Jain. D, and López CB. (2012) Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor protects mice during respiratory virus infections. PLOS One 7(5): e37334. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0037334. PMID: 22615983 PMCID: PMC3353936. PubMed link.2. Kim WK, Jain D, Sánchez MD, Koziol-White C, Matthews K, Ge M, Haczku A, Panettieri RA, Frieman MB, and López CB. (2014) Deficiency of Melanoma Differentiation-associated protein 5 results in Exacerbated Chronic Post-Viral Lung Inflammation. Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 189(4):437-48. doi: 10.1164/rccm.201307-1338OC. PMID: 24417465. PubMed link.3. Sun Y, Jain D, Koziol-White CJ, Genoyer E, Gilbert M, Tapia K, Panettieri RA, Hodinka RL, and López CB. (2015) Immunostimulatory Defective Viral Genomes Promote Strong Innate Antiviral Responses During Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Mice and Humans. PLOS Pathogens. 11(9): e1005122. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1005122 PubMed link

Karla Tapia (2008-2012)

Position: Research Specialist C

Went to: Research Technician, Universidad Católica de Chile.

Current Position: Microbiology Analyst, Sema Lab, Chile.

Publications:

1.Neil RC, Tapia KA, Dandapani A, MacArthur BD, López C, Ma’ayan A. (2011). Stochastic model of virus and defective interfering particle spread across mammalian cells with immune response. Q-bio.PE, arXiv:1108.4901. Publication link.2. Mercado-López X, Cotter CR, Kim WK, Muñoz L, Sun Y, Tapia K, and López CB. (2013) Highly Immunostimulatory RNA Derived from a Sendai Virus Defective Viral Genome. Vaccine. 2013 Oct 4. pii: S0264-410X(13)01294-2. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.09.040. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 2409987. PubMed link.3. Tapia K, Kim WK, Sun Y, Mercado-López X, Dunay E, Wise M, Adu M, and López CB. (2013) Defective Viral Genomes Arising In Vivo Provide Critical Danger Signals for the Triggering of Lung Antiviral Immunity. PLOS Pathogens 9(10): e1003703. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1003703. * Featured Article. *Co-first authors. PubMed link4. Sun Y, Jain D, Koziol-White CJ, Genoyer E, Gilbert M, Tapia K, Panettieri RA, Hodinka RL, and López CB. (2015) Immunostimulatory Defective Viral Genomes Promote Strong Innate Antiviral Responses During Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Mice and Humans. PLOS Pathogens. 11(9): e1005122. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1005122 PubMed link

Luis Muñoz (2003-2011)

Position: Research Specialist D, Lab manager

Went to: ImClone, NY

Publications:

Mercado-López X, Cotter CR, Kim WK, Muñoz L, Sun Y, Tapia K, and López CB. (2013) Highly Immunostimulatory RNA Derived from a Sendai Virus Defective Viral Genome. Vaccine. 2013 Oct 4. pii: S0264-410X(13)01294-2. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.09.040. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 2409987. PubMed link.

Rotations and Summer Students

Madison Ardagh )IMM Program), Fall 2025

Jess Porter (MMMP Program), Spring 2025

Andrew Karp (MMMP Program), Spring 2023

Ranya Guennoun (MSTP), Summer 2022

Misra Sengeldi (MMMP Program), Spring 2022

Amanda Pinski (MMMP Program), Spring 2022

Haewon Shin (MSTP), Summer 2021

Wafaa Al Saussi (Immunology Program), Spring 2021

Chieh-Yu Liang (WashU, Immunology Program), Winter 2021

Brian Goldspiel, MD/MPD (UPenn, MVP), Summer 2019

Edwin Ovalle, (UPenn, SUIP), Summer 2019

Victoria Lovins (MVP Program, Cell & Molecular Biology Graduate Group), Spring 2019

Joshua Hatterschide (MVP Program, Cell & Molecular Biology Graduate Group), Fall 2017

Katherine Strelau (MVP Program, Cell & Molecular Biology Graduate Group), Fall 2017

David Yang (UPenn, SAS), Summer, 2017

Gregorio Benitez (Brown University, UPenn, SUIP), Summer 2017

Sangya Agarwal (UPenn, CAMB-GTV), Fall 2016

Andrew Hart (UPenn ,IGG), Fall 2016

Courtney Comar (UPenn, CAMB-MVP), Spring 2016

Eddie Irvine (UPenn, SUIP), Summer 2014

Wenzhi Song (Bryn Mawr College), Summer 2014

Ethan Mack (UPenn, IGG, MD/PhD), Fall 2013

Alexis Leanza (UPenn, CTSA Internship), Summer 2013

Cristhian Cadena (UPenn, SUIP), Summer 2012 and 2013

Tori Yamamoto (UPenn, IGG), Fall 2012

Julia Rood (UPenn, IGG, MD/PhD), Fall 2012

Joshua Sherman (UPenn, Vagelos Program in Life Sciences & Management), Spring 2012

Steven Siegel (UPenn, MVP, MD/PhD), Fall 2011

Megan Wise (UPenn, MVP), Fall 2011

Jerome Molleston (UPenn, MVP, MD/PhD), Summer and more 2011

Michael Adu (UPenn, SUIP), Summer 2011

Sabrina Tsang (UPenn, MVP), Spring 2011-Fall 2012

Ciara Gimblet (UPenn, MVP), Spring 2011

Gretchen Harms (UPenn, IGG), Winter 2011

Zachary Zalinger (UPenn, MVP), Winter 2011

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