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Virology in Italy 2025—9th National Congress of the Italian Society...
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Virology in Italy 2025—9th National Congress of the Italian Society for Virology

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "General Virology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (12 June 2026) | Viewed by 5639

Editors

Prof. Dr. Enzo Tramontano

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Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato SS554, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
Interests: virology; microbiology; antiviral drugs; drug development; endogenous retroviruses; innate immunity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Arnaldo Caruso

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Guest Editor
Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa, 11-25123 Brescia, Italy
Interests: HIV; human respiratory viruses; vaccines; gene therapy; viral oncology; cell/host interaction; endothelial cell dysfunction; cancer microenvironment; clinical virology
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Prof. Dr. Massimiliano Galdiero

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Guest Editor
1. UOC Virology and Microbiology, University Hospital “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
2. Department of Woman, Child, and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
Interests: viral entry; viral pathogenesis; peptides; anti-viral peptide; diagnostic virology
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Dr. Luisa Rubino

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Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy
Interests: plant virology; positive-strand RNA viruses; virus replication; virus taxonomy; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; electron microscopy
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Dr. Gabriele Vaccari

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Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
Interests: emerging infectious diseases; zoonoses; prion disease; veterinary virology; genetic susceptibility to infectious disease; molecular diagnostics; epidemiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is dedicated to the 9th National Congress of the Italian Society for Virology (SIV-ISV (https://siv-isv.org), which will be held in Turin, Italy, on June 22-24, 2025, and more generally to the research activities in the field of virology that are currently carried out in Italy.

The Special Issue will provide an important opportunity for Italian virologists across different disciplines (basic, clinical, epidemiological, veterinary, plant, etc.) to publish their research work in an internationally recognized scientific journal from a “One Health” perspective. Manuscripts will encompass a wide variety of virus-related topics, including emerging viruses, viral subversion of host cell processes, viruses of microbes, antivirals and vaccines, emerging methods in virology, RNA in virus infections, plant and animal virology, and antiviral innate immunity.

SIV-ISV Congress participants, as well as all other Italian virologists, are invited to contribute original research papers or reviews to this Special Issue of Viruses.

Prof. Dr. Enzo Tramontano
Prof. Dr. Arnaldo Caruso
Prof. Dr. Massimiliano Galdiero
Dr. Luisa Rubino
Dr. Gabriele Vaccari
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Viruses is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Italy
  • emerging viruses
  • viral subversion of host cell processes
  • viruses of microbes
  • antivirals
  • vaccines
  • emerging methods in virology
  • RNA in virus infection
  • plant viruses
  • antiviral innate immunity
  • animal viruses
  • mycoviruses

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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19 pages, 2137 KB  
Article
Oropouche Virus: Comparative Study of Two Strains Reveals Distinct Innate Immunity Modulation
by Letizia Rizzo, Giulia Alessandri, Gianni Gori Savellini, Sara Caldrer, Concetta Castilletti and Maria Grazia Cusi
Viruses 2026, 18(8), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18080828 - 28 Jul 2026
Viewed by 199
Abstract
Oropouche virus (OROV), an Orthobunyavirus of the Peribunyaviridae family, is usually transmitted to humans by biting midges, while, to date, cases of human-to-human transmission have not been reported. Although OROV’s clinical manifestation is usually characterized by mild symptoms, cases of Central Nervous System [...] Read more.
Oropouche virus (OROV), an Orthobunyavirus of the Peribunyaviridae family, is usually transmitted to humans by biting midges, while, to date, cases of human-to-human transmission have not been reported. Although OROV’s clinical manifestation is usually characterized by mild symptoms, cases of Central Nervous System (CNS) infections have been reported. The non-structural protein NSs of many bunyaviruses and phleboviruses acts as a major virulence factor. Previous studies have demonstrated that OROV NSs also behaves as a suppressor of the host IFN-α/β responses. Furthermore, OROV NSs protein promotes cellular RPB1 proteasomal degradation to suppress RNA synthesis. In the present work, we perform a comparative study on two OROV strains (BeAn19991 and IRCCS-SCDC_1/2024) to further characterize the molecular mechanisms by which OROV NSs inhibits IFN-β expression. Our results demonstrate that the NSs protein mediates a reduction in IFN-β promoter activation, hindering RIG-I and IRF-3, therefore acting on multiple steps of the IFN-β signaling pathway. However, this suppression seems to reside in the blockage of RPB1 rather than a direct effect on those mediators. Moreover, we investigated the behavior of the two virus strains in a human glioblastoma cell line derived from brain (DBTRG.05MG cells) and fibroblasts (MRC-5 cells), observing different replication kinetics, degradation activity towards RPB1, and strength/timing of IFN-β modulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virology in Italy 2025—9th National Congress of the Italian Society for Virology)
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13 pages, 470 KB  
Article
Distinctive Inflammatory Traits of Parvovirus B19 Infection Associated with Persisting Autoimmunity
by Anna Negri, Maria Chiara Gerardi, Gabriele D. Gallina, Luca Moroni, Antonella Adinolfi, Mona-Rita Yacoub, Nicola Boffini, Marco Lanzillotta, Annalaura Fasiello, Claudia Cordini, Enrica P. Bozzolo, Marco Matucci-Cerinic, Oscar Massimiliano Epis, Lorenzo Dagna and Giuseppe A. Ramirez
Viruses 2026, 18(7), 774; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18070774 - 14 Jul 2026
Viewed by 471
Abstract
Background: Adult parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection occurs with cyclic outbreaks and can be associated with inflammatory manifestations mimicking or heralding the onset of systemic autoimmune diseases. Little is known about clinical traits distinguishing patients with transient vs. persisting manifestations. Methods: Leveraging data from [...] Read more.
Background: Adult parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection occurs with cyclic outbreaks and can be associated with inflammatory manifestations mimicking or heralding the onset of systemic autoimmune diseases. Little is known about clinical traits distinguishing patients with transient vs. persisting manifestations. Methods: Leveraging data from the 2024 B19V infection outbreak, we set up a retrospective, multicentre, observational study investigating the epidemiology and clinical phenotypes of patients with B19V infection presenting to tertiary care for immune-mediated manifestations, including patients with pre-existing autoimmunity. Results: A total of 39 B19V infections were identified, yielding an annual incidence of 1.78 cases/1000 patients. Autoimmune rheumatic diseases were pre-existing in 7/39 and newly diagnosed in 5/39. One patient was hospitalised. Arthritis was more frequent in new-onset (89%) than in pre-existing (14%; p = 0.010) or no autoimmunity (19%; p < 0.001). Anaemia was not found in patients with pre-existing autoimmunity in contrast to those with new autoimmune disease diagnoses (40%; p = 0.039) or transient manifestations (52%; p = 0.013). Skin manifestations were numerically less frequent in this latter group (56%) than in patients with pre-existing (100%) or newly onset autoimmunity (80%). Autoantibodies were detected in 44% of cases and were more frequent in patients with constitutional symptoms but were not confirmed in the long term in most cases. Glucocorticoids were more frequently employed in patients with new-onset rather than pre-existing autoimmune diseases (p = 0.006) or without chronic autoimmunity (p = 0.027). Conclusion: B19V-associated new-onset autoimmunity may occur in one in six cases observed in tertiary immunology care, show distinct clinical features, and require significant immunosuppression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virology in Italy 2025—9th National Congress of the Italian Society for Virology)
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12 pages, 919 KB  
Article
Chronic HDV Infection Shows Higher HBsAg Isoform Levels than HBV Infection, Paralleling HDV Replicative Activity
by Stefano D’Anna, Lorenzo Piermatteo, Alessia Magnapera, Ilaria Grossi, Caterina Tramontozzi, Antonella Olivero, Leonardo Duca, Giulia Torre, Elisabetta Teti, Andrea Di Lorenzo, Vincenzo Malagnino, Marco Iannetta, Sandro Grelli, Pierpaolo Paba, Ada Bertoli, Francesca Ceccherini-Silberstein, Leonardo Baiocchi, Simona Francioso, Ilaria Lenci, Michele Milella, Annalisa Saracino, Alessia Ciancio, Giuseppina Brancaccio, Loredana Sarmati, Pietro Lampertico, Mario Rizzetto, Gian Paolo Caviglia, Romina Salpini and Valentina Svicheradd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Viruses 2026, 18(5), 515; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18050515 - 30 Apr 2026
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Abstract
Background & Aim: The entry of Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) depends on HBV surface proteins (HBsAg) composed of three isoforms: large-, middle, and small HBsAg. Here, we investigate the levels of total HBsAg and HBsAg isoforms and their correlations with HDV-RNA, HBcrAg, and [...] Read more.
Background & Aim: The entry of Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) depends on HBV surface proteins (HBsAg) composed of three isoforms: large-, middle, and small HBsAg. Here, we investigate the levels of total HBsAg and HBsAg isoforms and their correlations with HDV-RNA, HBcrAg, and transaminases in the setting of untreated chronic hepatitis D (CHD). Methods: This study includes 316 HBeAg-negative patients: 192 CHD and 124 with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) as a control group. HBsAg isoforms were quantified by ad hoc-designed ELISAs. Results: The composition of HBsAg isoforms varied between the two groups of patients, with remarkably higher small HBsAg, middle-HBsAg, and large HBsAg in CHD than in CHB. This data was confirmed by multivariable analysis (p < 0.0001). Among CHD, HBsAg isoforms positively correlated with HDV-RNA (p < 0.0001) and HBcrAg (p < 0.0001) but not with HBV-DNA. The results were confirmed by stratifying patients according to HDV-RNA (< or >1000 IU/mL) and HBcrAg (< or >3 logU/mL). Furthermore, CHD patients with ALT > upper limit of normal presented significantly higher S-HBsAg and M-HBsAg levels. Conclusions: CHD is characterized by a more elevated HBsAg isoform production, paralleling HDV-RNA and HBcrAg release. This may suggest a preferential recruitment of HBsAg isoforms in HDV virions at the expense of HBV virions. The association of HBsAg isoforms with higher ALT also suggests their potential contribution in supporting HDV-induced pro-inflammatory stimuli. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virology in Italy 2025—9th National Congress of the Italian Society for Virology)
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15 pages, 1110 KB  
Article
Whole-Genome Sequencing of Adenovirus Genotypes and Clinical Implications in Pediatric Patients
by Lorena Forqué, Valeria Fox, Rossana Scutari, Martina Mastropaolo, Pietro Merli, Velia Chiara Di Maio, Vanessa Fini, Giulia Linardos, Luana Coltella, Stefania Ranno, Cristina Russo, Alberto Villani, Carlo Federico Perno and Luna Colagrossi
Viruses 2025, 17(11), 1480; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17111480 - 6 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1722
Abstract
Human adenoviruses (HAdV) comprise more than 100 genotypes with species-specific differences in tropism and immune response and can cause severe infections in immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to characterise the HAdV species involved in pediatric infections to assess their clinical impact and guide [...] Read more.
Human adenoviruses (HAdV) comprise more than 100 genotypes with species-specific differences in tropism and immune response and can cause severe infections in immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to characterise the HAdV species involved in pediatric infections to assess their clinical impact and guide future therapeutic strategies based on AdV-specific T-cell responses. Between January and October 2024, 595 pediatric HAdV diagnoses were made at the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (Rome), and whole-genome sequencing was performed on 60 samples. Most patients (91.7%) were hospitalised, including both immunocompetent (75%) and immunocompromised (25%) children. Gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms were more common in immunocompetent patients, whereas immunocompromised patients experienced longer hospitalisations and persistent viral infections. Species F (F41) was most prevalent (63.3%), especially among immunocompetent patients, while species C and A predominated in immunocompromised children, with species A associated with severe disease. Viral loads were significantly higher for species F than for species A and C, independent of immune status. Co-infections were frequent (63.3%), with species C particularly linked to them. In conclusion, HAdV distribution differed by immune status, with species F predominating in immunocompetent children and species C and A more common in immunocompromised patients. Whole-genome sequencing may enhance surveillance, enable earlier diagnosis, and support the development of genotype-specific immunotherapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virology in Italy 2025—9th National Congress of the Italian Society for Virology)
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12 pages, 252 KB  
Perspective
Differentiated Contact Tracing for Emerging Zoonotic Hantavirus and Ebolavirus Infections: Lessons from the 2026 Andes Virus (MV Hondius) and Bundibugyo Virus Outbreaks
by Francesco Broccolo and Massimiliano Galdiero
Viruses 2026, 18(7), 708; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18070708 - 26 Jun 2026
Viewed by 397
Abstract
In May 2026, two outbreaks occurred at once: an Andes virus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius expedition cruise ship (13 cases (12 laboratory-confirmed and 1 probable), 3 deaths, and more than 600 contacts traced across 32 countries and territories; passengers and crew from [...] Read more.
In May 2026, two outbreaks occurred at once: an Andes virus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius expedition cruise ship (13 cases (12 laboratory-confirmed and 1 probable), 3 deaths, and more than 600 contacts traced across 32 countries and territories; passengers and crew from 23 countries; data as of 22 June 2026) and a Bundibugyo virus disease (BDBV) outbreak in Central Africa (more than 1000 laboratory-confirmed cases and more than 250 confirmed deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda; data as of 22 June 2026). The two pathogens diverge sharply in their transmission epidemiology. Aboard the MV Hondius, person-to-person transmission was sustained across three generations from a single index case, and one asymptomatic, PCR-positive contact later developed symptoms, indicating pre-symptomatic ANDV RNA detection, although the extent to which this corresponds to infectiousness and onward transmission remains uncertain. BDBV, on current evidence, has not been documented to sustain pre-symptomatic transmission as a major driver of its outbreaks, which allows for contact tracing of different timing and intensity. This Perspective draws together the epidemiological data from the MV Hondius outbreak, the endemic-region experience (Chile’s 2021–2025 secondary attack rate of 5.7%; Argentina’s 1996 El Bolsón and 2018 Epuyén outbreaks), the molecular pathogenesis, the diagnostic platforms, the therapeutic pipeline (favipiravir, tocilizumab, Icatibant) and the vaccine strategies (USAMRIID DNA vaccine, phase 1 completed). We set the contact-tracing and active-surveillance protocols applied to ANDV against the less stringent protocols that may suffice for BDBV. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virology in Italy 2025—9th National Congress of the Italian Society for Virology)
30 pages, 7445 KB  
Conference Report
Report from the 9th Italian Society for Virology (SIV-ISV) 2025 Annual Meeting
by Anna De Filippis, Manuela Donalisio, Anna Luganini, Francesca Caccuri, Francesca Esposito, Nicole Grandi, Carla Zannella, Luisa Rubino, Enzo Tramontano, Gabriele Vaccari, Massimiliano Galdiero and Arnaldo Caruso
Viruses 2026, 18(6), 684; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18060684 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 802
Abstract
The 9th National Congress of the Italian Society for Virology (SIV-ISV), entitled “One Virology—One Health”, took place in Turin at the Centro Congressi Lingotto from 22 to 24 June 2025. The meeting highlighted recent multidisciplinary and translational developments in virology, with a strong [...] Read more.
The 9th National Congress of the Italian Society for Virology (SIV-ISV), entitled “One Virology—One Health”, took place in Turin at the Centro Congressi Lingotto from 22 to 24 June 2025. The meeting highlighted recent multidisciplinary and translational developments in virology, with a strong focus on the integration of the One Health perspective. Major themes included viral emergence and surveillance, genomic sequencing and bioinformatics, virus–host interactions, viral immunology and vaccines, structural and physical virology, environmental and food virology, zoonoses and animal infections, diagnostics and antiviral therapy, virus-based biotechnology and plant virology. The Congress aimed to: (i) bring together clinicians, basic researchers, veterinarians, environmental microbiologists, bioinformaticians, public-health professionals and industry to share methodologies and best practices; (ii) provide an interactive scientific environment promoting discussion and collaboration between senior investigators and trainees through plenaries, joint society sessions, invited talks, oral communications selected from abstracts, poster sessions, and mentoring panels; and (iii) identify priorities and inspire new research directions at the interface of human, animal and environmental health. More than 400 participants from national and international institutions attended the meeting, featuring distinguished plenary speakers, joint sessions with global networks, and numerous presentations of original unpublished data. This report summarizes the meeting’s scientific highlights, cross-disciplinary discussions, and proposed actions to strengthen One Health surveillance, computational infrastructures, and translational applications of viral biology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virology in Italy 2025—9th National Congress of the Italian Society for Virology)
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