Curtis Brandt
· UW Medical Foundation Professor, Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Medical Microbiology & ImmunologyVerifiedUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison · Medical Microbiology and Immunology
Active 1978–2026
About
Curtis Brandt is a UW Medical Foundation Professor in the Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Medical Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His subspecialties include virology, cell and molecular biology, genetic mapping and recombinant techniques, and gene therapy. He holds an appointment as Vice Chair of Research and is an affiliate member of the Medical Microbiology and Immunology department, the Waisman Center, and the Paul Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center. His research focuses on virology and related molecular biology techniques, contributing to the understanding and development of gene therapy and genetic mapping within these fields.
Research topics
- Virology
- Biology
- Genetics
- Medicine
- Immunology
- Pathology
- Political Science
- Zoology
Selected publications
Experimental Eye Research · 2026-04-10
articleOpen accessSenior authorCorrespondingBest practices for herpesvirus genomics
Open MIND · 2026-05-11
preprintOpen accessAbstract: Since the introduction of high-throughput, massively parallel deep sequencing, the field of viral genomics has blossomed. A single viral genome – even for large double-stranded DNA herpesviruses – can now be sequenced in a matter of hours, and with an initial draft assembled in as little as one day. This is a vast improvement on the multi-year and multi-lab efforts required to sequence the first-ever genome of each herpesvirus species. However, these genomes still present many challenges in the form of extensive repeat regions, rampant recombination, and structural variants such as isomers – all of which contribute to the minor variants and standing population diversity found in these infections. A wide range of experimental and computational methods have emerged to support downstream genome analyses, including phylogenetics, transcriptomics, and chromatin profiling. Yet experimental design, computational parameters, and even terminology can lead to very different interpretations of viral biology based on these genomic approaches. Since 2017, each in-person meeting of the International Herpesvirus Workshop (IHW) has included an open community-wide discussion of methods for herpesvirus genomics. Here we summarize the current best practices in herpesvirus genomics, spanning genome sequencing, population diversity, transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses, and data sharing. We also identify areas requiring further standardization, including genome annotation and reporting practices. By sharing these community-driven recommendations, this review aims to support reproducible and comparable research across the field. This will facilitate the adaptation of future methodological advances, even as our understanding of these diverse viruses keeps pace with viral evolution. Feedback on this preprint is welcome! Submit feedback here: https://forms.gle/N9iDgF8Dmgj9yKyu9
Best practices for herpesvirus genomics
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · 2026-05-11
preprintOpen accessAbstract: Since the introduction of high-throughput, massively parallel deep sequencing, the field of viral genomics has blossomed. A single viral genome – even for large double-stranded DNA herpesviruses – can now be sequenced in a matter of hours, and with an initial draft assembled in as little as one day. This is a vast improvement on the multi-year and multi-lab efforts required to sequence the first-ever genome of each herpesvirus species. However, these genomes still present many challenges in the form of extensive repeat regions, rampant recombination, and structural variants such as isomers – all of which contribute to the minor variants and standing population diversity found in these infections. A wide range of experimental and computational methods have emerged to support downstream genome analyses, including phylogenetics, transcriptomics, and chromatin profiling. Yet experimental design, computational parameters, and even terminology can lead to very different interpretations of viral biology based on these genomic approaches. Since 2017, each in-person meeting of the International Herpesvirus Workshop (IHW) has included an open community-wide discussion of methods for herpesvirus genomics. Here we summarize the current best practices in herpesvirus genomics, spanning genome sequencing, population diversity, transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses, and data sharing. We also identify areas requiring further standardization, including genome annotation and reporting practices. By sharing these community-driven recommendations, this review aims to support reproducible and comparable research across the field. This will facilitate the adaptation of future methodological advances, even as our understanding of these diverse viruses keeps pace with viral evolution. Feedback on this preprint is welcome! Submit feedback here: https://forms.gle/N9iDgF8Dmgj9yKyu9
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science · 2026-02-03
articleOpen accessSenior authorCorrespondingPurpose: Antimicrobial drug resistance is a significant threat to human health and additional drugs and therapeutic approaches are desperately needed. Amoebozoa is a large and diverse group whose primary mode of nutrition is phagocytosis of bacteria. This feeding behavior raises the possibility that dictyostelids could be used to topically treat bacterial infections. Dictyostelids are generally considered avirulent; however, there are two case reports of keratitis owing to Dictyostelium polycephalum, raising concerns about their therapeutic use. Our goal was to determine whether thermotolerant dictyostelids were pathogenic. Methods: One hundred dictyostelid strains from four phylogenetic groups were tested for their ability to feed, aggregate, and form spores at 32°C. Fifty-four strains tested positive for feeding on K. oxytoca and multicellular development at 32°C. Of these 54 strains, 3 strains of Dictyostelium mucoroides and one tropical strain of Heterostelium pallidum were examined for the potential to cause keratitis in mouse eyes. Mice were monitored for signs indicative of keratitis, including blepharitis, vascularization, stromal keratitis, and the development of antibodies to dictyostelid proteins. Results: We found that none of the four dictyostelid isolates tested induced irritation or keratitis when vegetative cells or spores were topically introduced to the eyes 5 times per day for 5 days. No pathological changes were identified. Application of spores or vegetative cells was not irritating, and none of the mice analyzed developed antibodies to vegetative cell proteins. Conclusions: These results suggest that dictyostelids are avirulent and may be safe for use in treating topical bacterial infections.
Experimental Eye Research · 2025-06-06 · 8 citations
articleSenior authorCorrespondingInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science · 2024-02-06 · 1 citations
articleOpen accessSenior authorPurpose: To sequence, identify, and perform phylogenetic and recombination analysis on three clinical adenovirus samples taken from the vitreous humor at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Methods: The PacBio Sequel II was used to sequence the genomes of the three clinical adenovirus isolates. To identify the isolates, a full genome-based multiple sequence alignment (MSA) of 722 mastadenoviruses was generated using multiple alignment using fast Fourier transform (MAFFT). MAFFT was also used to generate genome-based human adenovirus B (HAdV-B) MSAs, as well as HAdV-B fiber, hexon, and penton protein-based MSAs. To examine recombination within HAdV-B, RF-Net 2 and Bootscan software programs were used. Results: In the course of classifying three new atypical ocular adenovirus samples, taken from the vitreous humor, we found that all three isolates were HAdV-B species. The three Bascom Palmer HAdV-B genomes were then combined with over 300 HAdV-B genome sequences, including nine ocular HAdV-B genome sequences. Attempts to categorize the penton, hexon, and fiber serotypes using phylogeny of the three Bascom Palmer samples were inconclusive due to incongruence between serotype and phylogeny in the dataset. Recombination analysis using a subset of HAdV-B strains to generate a hybridization network detected recombination between nonhuman primate and human-derived strains, recombination between one HAdV-B strain and the HAdV-E outgroup, and limited recombination between the B1 and B2 clades. Conclusions: The discordance between serotype and phylogeny detected in this study suggests that the current classification system does not accurately describe the natural history and phylogenetic relationships among adenoviruses.
Virology under the Microscope—a Call for Rational Discourse
mBio · 2023-01-26 · 4 citations
articleOpen accessViruses have brought humanity many challenges: respiratory infection, cancer, neurological impairment and immunosuppression to name a few. Virology research over the last 60+ years has responded to reduce this disease burden with vaccines and antivirals. Despite this long history, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented attention to the field of virology. Some of this attention is focused on concern about the safe conduct of research with human pathogens. A small but vocal group of individuals has seized upon these concerns - conflating legitimate questions about safely conducting virus-related research with uncertainties over the origins of SARS-CoV-2. The result has fueled public confusion and, in many instances, ill-informed condemnation of virology. With this article, we seek to promote a return to rational discourse. We explain the use of gain-of-function approaches in science, discuss the possible origins of SARS-CoV-2 and outline current regulatory structures that provide oversight for virological research in the United States. By offering our expertise, we - a broad group of working virologists - seek to aid policy makers in navigating these controversial issues. Balanced, evidence-based discourse is essential to addressing public concern while maintaining and expanding much-needed research in virology.
Virology under the Microscope—a Call for Rational Discourse
mSphere · 2023 · 9 citations
- Political Science
- Virology
- Medicine
Viruses have brought humanity many challenges: respiratory infection, cancer, neurological impairment and immunosuppression to name a few. Virology research over the last 60+ years has responded to reduce this disease burden with vaccines and antivirals. Despite this long history, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented attention to the field of virology. Some of this attention is focused on concern about the safe conduct of research with human pathogens. A small but vocal group of individuals has seized upon these concerns - conflating legitimate questions about safely conducting virus-related research with uncertainties over the origins of SARS-CoV-2. The result has fueled public confusion and, in many instances, ill-informed condemnation of virology. With this article, we seek to promote a return to rational discourse. We explain the use of gain-of-function approaches in science, discuss the possible origins of SARS-CoV-2 and outline current regulatory structures that provide oversight for virological research in the United States. By offering our expertise, we - a broad group of working virologists - seek to aid policy makers in navigating these controversial issues. Balanced, evidence-based discourse is essential to addressing public concern while maintaining and expanding much-needed research in virology.
Editorial: Insights in virus and host: 2021
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology · 2023-04-11
editorialOpen accessSenior authorCorrespondingEDITORIAL article Front. Cell. Infect. Microbiol., 11 April 2023Sec. Virus and Host Volume 13 - 2023 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2023.1190338
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science · 2023-07-14 · 5 citations
articleOpen accessSenior authorCorrespondingPurpose: There are limited data on the prevalence and genetic diversity of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) virulence genes in ocular isolates. Here, we sequenced 36 HSV-1 ocular isolates, collected by the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, a university-based eye hospital, from three different ocular anatomical sites (conjunctiva, cornea, and eyelid) and carried out a genomic and phylogenetic analyses. Methods: The PacBio Sequel II long read platform was used for genome sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis and genomic analysis were performed to help better understand genetic variability among common virulence genes in ocular herpetic disease. Results: A phylogenetic network generated using the genome sequences of the 36 Bascom Palmer ocular isolates, plus 174 additional strains showed that ocular isolates do not group together phylogenetically. Analysis of the thymidine kinase and DNA polymerase protein sequences from the Bascom Palmer isolates showed multiple novel single nucleotide polymorphisms, but only one, BP-K14 encoded a known thymidine kinase acyclovir resistance mutation. An analysis of the multiple sequence alignment comprising the 51 total ocular isolates versus 159 nonocular strains detected several possible single nucleotide polymorphisms in HSV-1 genes that were found significantly more often in the ocular isolates. These genes included UL6, gM, VP19c, VHS, gC, VP11/12, and gG. Conclusions: There does not seem to be a specific genetic feature of viruses causing ocular infection. The identification of novel and common recurrent polymorphisms may help to understand the drivers of herpetic pathogenicity and specific factors that may influence the virulence of ocular disease.
Recent grants
Biological treatment of bacterial keratitis
NIH · $225k · 2015–2017
NIH · $3.5M · 2006
NIH · $403k · 2015
Virulence Genes in Herpes Simplex Virus Ocular Infection
NIH · $1.4M · 2013–2017
NIH · $3.4M · 2008
Frequent coauthors
- 35 shared
Aaron W. Kolb
University of Wisconsin–Madison
- 32 shared
Paul L. Kaufman
University of Wisconsin–Madison
- 21 shared
Christine Milcarek
University of Pittsburgh
- 18 shared
Inna V. Larsen
University of Wisconsin–Madison
- 17 shared
Barbara K. Birshtein
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- 17 shared
Sherie L. Morrison
University of California, Los Angeles
- 17 shared
Xuyang Liu
Anhui Agricultural University
- 17 shared
B’Ann T. Gabelt
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Labs
Education
- 1990
Ph.D., Medical Microbiology & Immunology
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- 1986
M.S., Medical Microbiology & Immunology
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- 1983
B.S., Microbiology
University of Wisconsin-Madison
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