Rate My Professor Brian Willett

Willett's research has significantly advanced understanding of immune evasion by SARS-CoV-2 variants, notably Omicron's reduced neutralisation by vaccine-induced antibodies, preservation of T cell responses, and adoption of a TMPRSS2-independent endosomal entry pathway with altered cell tropism and virulence. He has investigated cross-species transmission and neutralisation of morbilliviruses such as peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), canine distemper virus (CDV), rinderpest virus (RPV), measles virus (MeV), and phocine distemper virus (PDV), informing zoonotic risks and eradication strategies. Earlier contributions include identification of CD134 (OX40) as the primary receptor for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and studies on feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and calicivirus. Key publications encompass 'SARS-CoV-2 Omicron is an immune escape variant with an altered cell entry pathway' (Willett et al., Nature Microbiology, 2022), 'Feline leukaemia virus: half a century since its discovery' (Willett et al., Retrovirology, 2013), and 'FIV infection of the domestic cat: an animal model for AIDS' (Willett et al., Immunology Today, 1997). His pseudotype platforms support surveillance in resource-limited settings like Malawi and Uganda, aiding outbreak responses and vaccine assessments. Willett teaches immunology to veterinary students and collaborates with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, the University of Birmingham, and international partners on population immunity studies.