Sheba’s SPRI 2nd WNV Seminar: New Strategies for Prevention & Treatment
Sheba’s Pandemic Preparedness Research Institute (SPRI) recently hosted its 2nd West Nile Virus (WNV) Seminar, bringing together leading experts to discuss the latest developments in research, treatment, and prevention. The seminar, held in December 2024, featured insightful presentations on WNV outbreaks, clinical management, and novel therapeutic approaches.
Key Topics and Expert Insights
The seminar covered a broad spectrum of WNV-related topics, including:
Mucosal Vaccination for COVID-19 – Dr. Douek explored the implications of mucosal immunity for pandemic preparedness.
WNV Neutralizing Plasma Study – Prof. Regev-Yochay presented preliminary findings on the effectiveness of neutralizing plasma therapy.
WNV Outbreak 2024 in Israel: A National Perspective – Dr. Alroy-Preiss provided an overview of Israel’s response to the outbreak.
Clinical Perspective at Sheba – Prof. Yahav discussed Sheba’s approach to managing WNV cases.
Case Study: WNV is a Severely Immunocompromised Patient – Dr. Tsarfaty examined the complexities of treating high-risk individuals.
WNV Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs): Why Here? Why Now? – Dr. Lustig highlighted the importance of timing in mAb interventions.
WNV mAb Discovery and Characterization – Dr. Pierson provided insights into the latest research on antibody-based treatments.
Summary and Future Directions – Dr. Douek and Prof. Regev-Yochay concluded with a discussion on what lies ahead in WNV research.
Expanding the Conversation
Building on the success of the first WNV seminar in July 2024, this event further underscored SPRI’s role in global pandemic preparedness. Attendees gained valuable insights into the evolving landscape of WNV and potential strategies to mitigate future outbreaks.
We invite you to explore the full seminar by watching the exclusive lecture videos here.
For a deeper understanding, you can also revisit the 1st West Nile Virus Seminar, which explored the history, epidemiology, and immunology of WNV, along with cutting-edge vaccine and antibody research.
Stay informed with SPRI as we continue to advance research and preparedness against emerging infectious diseases.


