STAT1-mediated interferon signaling in the hematopoietic system is essential for restricting Usutu virus infection in vivo.

Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging mosquito-borne flavivirus known to induce neuroinvasive disease in birds, mice, and humans in European and African countries. The mechanisms of infection and dissemination remain poorly understood. Thus, elucidating how USUV spreads in a susceptible host is crucial for identifying therapeutic targets.