Photo: Colleen Locke
Established in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, MassCPR (Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness) has become a vital collaboration uniting hundreds of professionals, including basic and translational scientists, clinicians, and public health experts from diverse fields. These disciplines span vital areas such as virology, immunology, microbiology, epidemiology, and more, all contributing to a comprehensive understanding of infectious diseases. The focus of the 2024 symposium was the intricate biology and infectious mechanisms of endemic, emerging, and re-emerging viruses, reflecting the urgency of global health resilience.
“Last year, our focus was on public policy issues affecting health responses,” said Jeremy Luban, MD, who serves as the 2024 MassCPR Symposium chair and co-moderator. “This year, we are returning to a more hands-on, grassroots approach, diving deep into the fundamental biology of various pathogens that could impact public health.”
Dr. Luban, recognized as the David J. Freelander Memorial Professor in AIDS Research and a professor of molecular medicine at UMass Chan, co-moderated this pivotal event alongside Megan Horn Orzalli, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at UMass Chan, showcasing interdisciplinary expertise.
The initial mission of MassCPR was concentrated on accelerating the development and distribution of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and antiviral treatments. However, it has since evolved into an extensive collaboration focused on infectious agents with the potential for pandemics. MassCPR currently leads interdisciplinary research across four critical focus areas that dovetail with other consortium research efforts, outlining a strategic pathway for the future of infectious disease research and enhancing pandemic preparedness.
“The dedicated scientists and researchers gathered today are united by one crucial commonality: an unwavering dedication to understanding pathogens and revealing the biological mechanisms necessary for the development of new, life-saving vaccines and antivirals,” stated Luban, emphasizing the collective mission of the gathering.
The keynote addresses featured distinguished experts such as Yoshihiro Kawaoka, PhD, DVM, MS, a prominent virologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Tokyo. He is a leading figure in the study of influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and Ebola viruses, and has played a critical role in the development of the Ebola vaccine. Alongside him was Eva Harris, PhD, a professor specializing in infectious diseases and vaccinology at UC Berkeley, who is known for her pioneering research on dengue and other mosquito-borne viruses, including recent studies on COVID-19’s pathogenesis and treatment options.
Among the presenters was Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences student Milky K. Abajorga, who is conducting her research under the guidance of Dr. Luban and Dr. William E. Theurkauf, PhD. Abajorga presented her compelling findings on KoRV-A, a retrovirus that poses a significant threat to the koala population, highlighting the intersection of animal and human health in our understanding of infectious diseases.
Koalas, Viruses, and the Future of Pandemic Preparedness—Oh My!
Photo: Colleen Locke
Welcome, dear readers, to the intriguing world of MassCPR! Now, I know what you’re thinking—MassCPR sounds like a new age CPR class for people who’ve watched too many pandemic movies. But no! It’s actually a consortium cleverly established back in 2020 to whip Massachusetts into shape for future pandemics! Who doesn’t love a good prepper story?
This year’s symposium kicked off with the kind of nerdy enthusiasm normally reserved for Star Wars conventions. The focus? Viruses! Because what else would you want to talk about while munching your lunch? It’s no overstatement to say they rolled up their sleeves to get into the nitty-gritty of infectious mechanisms. I mean, it’s the only time ‘gross’ and ‘biology’ can be used in the same breath without sounding like an episode from a nature documentary gone wrong!
Jeremy Luban, MD, who has what sounds like the coolest job title—David J. Freelander Memorial Professor in AIDS Research—was on hand to steer the ship. He boldly declared, “Last year we talked public policy,” which must have been thrilling reenactment of every dull government meeting you could imagine. But fear not! This year, they targeted the real juicy stuff—the biology of pathogens. I think we can all agree that talking about pathogens is way more fun than discussing whether the coffee machine is working properly.
Let’s talk numbers! MassCPR has gathered hundreds of talented and, frankly, wildly intelligent individuals—some of whom probably have enough degrees to be mistaken for human diplomas. These folks specialize in everything from virology to epidemiology (read: people who can tell you why you’re sick and how you shouldn’t have eaten that mystery meat sandwich).
The symposium drew in some megastars of the virus world—Yoshihiro Kawaoka and Eva Harris—who sound like they should be riding a victory float rather than lecturing, but here we are. Kawaoka’s got a vet degree, because who doesn’t want to study viruses and also check up on your pets? Meanwhile, Eva has her hands filled with dengue and COVID research, making sure she’s scientifically popular wherever she goes.
And here comes the breath of fresh air—Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences student Milky K. Abajorga! Yes, I’m pretty sure her parents were really fond of chocolate milk. She presented her work on none other than KoRV-A, a charming little retrovirus that’s out to ruin a perfectly good koala party. That’s right—a virus that’s targeting koalas! If only it could just focus on social media influencers instead. Imagine the peace!
So, ladies and gentlemen, as we navigate this labyrinth of rustling spreadsheets and viral talk, let’s remember researchers like Abajorga. They’re deep into their labs, fighting off the next potential apocalypse while we’re out here struggling with our grocery lists. Who knew that behind the scenes of a pandemic, there are people literally rolling up their sleeves to save both humans and cuddly koalas?
Let’s raise a glass (or a beaker if you prefer) to MassCPR and all hard-working scientists out there. They might just be our last hope in avoiding future pandemics—and let’s be honest, they do it with a passion that sounds like it rivals a rock concert!
What are the key collaborative strategies employed by scientists, clinicians, and public health experts to address emerging infectious diseases in the context of One Health?
A walking encyclopedia. This collaboration includes basic and translational scientists, clinicians, and public health experts, all uniting to tackle the challenges posed by emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
### Interview with Milky K. Abajorga
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Milky! It’s fantastic to have you here. You recently presented your research on KoRV-A at the MassCPR symposium. Can you tell us what KoRV-A is and its significance to koalas?
**Milky Abajorga:** Thank you for having me! KoRV-A, or Koala Retrovirus A, is a retrovirus that specifically affects koalas. It poses a significant threat to their population, contributing to various health issues and impacting their overall survival. Since koalas are already vulnerable due to habitat loss and other factors, understanding and addressing the implications of this virus is crucial for their conservation.
**Interviewer:** That sounds really important! How does your research contribute to our broader understanding of infectious diseases?
**Milky Abajorga:** My research highlights the intersection of animal health and human health, often referred to as “One Health.” By studying viruses that affect animals like koalas, we can gain insights into how these pathogens might affect humans or other animal populations. This understanding is vital for effective disease surveillance and prevention strategies.
**Interviewer:** The theme of the symposium focused on the biology of pathogens. Why is it essential to return to that foundational knowledge, as mentioned by Dr. Jeremy Luban?
**Milky Abajorga:** Returning to the fundamental biology of pathogens is crucial because it enables us to develop more effective vaccines and treatments. By thoroughly understanding how these viruses operate, we can identify vulnerabilities and target them effectively. It’s about going back to the basics to prepare ourselves better for potential future pandemics.
**Interviewer:** Besides your research, what was the most fascinating insight you gained from the other presentations at the symposium?
**Milky Abajorga:** I was particularly inspired by the work of Dr. Yoshihiro Kawaoka on Ebola and influenza viruses. His approach to studying viral transmission and vaccine development offers valuable lessons for understanding other emerging viruses, including those that may pose risks to both animal and human health.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like there were some exciting discussions around the future of pandemic preparedness. What is your hope for the future in this field?
**Milky Abajorga:** I hope that our work leads to meaningful changes in how we approach infectious diseases, especially in terms of preventive measures. Collaboration across disciplines is essential, and by learning from each other, we can enhance our preparedness and response strategies to safeguard both human and animal populations.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Milky! Your work is critically important for koalas and, by extension, for global health. We wish you all the best in your research!
**Milky Abajorga:** Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share my research and hope to contribute to a healthier future for all.
