A new mechanism has been discovered by which cells infected with the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes are able to escape the immune response, and which at the same time confers a higher probability that infected cells will adhere to and infect cerebral vessels and cross the blood-brain barrier.

The Gates Foundation is joining with other philanthropic funders in launching an initiative to develop small-molecule antiviral drugs to lay in as part of preparations for the next pandemic.