The Origins and Future of Sentinel: An Early-Warning System for Pandemic Preemption and Response
Authors: Botti-Lodovico Yolanda , Nair Parvathy , Nosamiefan Dolo , Stremlau Matthew , Schaffner Stephen , Agignoae Sebastian V. , Aiyepada John Oke , Ajogbasile Fehintola V. , Akpede George O. , Alhasan Foday , Andersen Kristian G. , Asogun Danny A. , Ayodeji Oladele Oluwafemi , Badiane Aida S. , Barnes Kayla , Bauer Matthew R. , Bell-Kareem Antoinette , Benard Muoebonam Ekene , Benevolence Ebo Ohomoime , Blessing Osiemi , Boehm Chloe K. , Boisen Matthew L. , Bond Nell G. , Branco Luis M. , Butts Michael J. , Carter Amber , Colubri Andres , Deme Awa B. , DeRuff Katherine C. , Diédhiou Younousse , Edamhande Akhilomen Patience , Elhamoumi Siham , Engel Emily J. , Eromon Philomena , Fallah Mosoka , Folarin Onikepe A. , Fry Ben , Garry Robert , Gaye Amy , Gbakie Michael , Gevao Sahr M. , Gionet Gabrielle , Gladden-Young Adrianne , Goba Augustine , Gomis Jules Francois , Happi Anise N. , Houghton Mary , Ihekwuazu Chikwe , Iruolagbe Christopher Ojemiega , Jackson Jonathan , Jalloh Simbirie , Johnson Jeremy , Kanneh Lansana , Kayode Adeyemi , Kemball Molly , Kingsley Ojide Chiedozie , Koroma Veronica , Kotliar Dylan , Mehta Samar , Metsky Hayden C. , Michael Airende , Mirhashemi Marzieh Ezzaty , Modjarrad Kayvon , Momoh Mambu , Myhrvold Cameron A. , Naregose Okonofua Grace , Ndiaye Tolla , Ndiaye Mouhamadou , Ndiaye Aliou , Normandin Erica , Odia Ikponmwosa , Oguzie Judith Uche , Okogbenin Sylvanus A. , Okokhere Peter O. , Okolie Johnson , Olawoye Idowu B. , Olumade Testimony J. , Oluniyi Paul E. , Omoregie Omigie , Park Daniel J. , Paye Mariétou Faye , Petros Brittany , Philippakis Anthony A. , Priscilla Abechi , Ricks Alan , Rimoin Anne , Sandi John Demby , Schieffelin John S. , Schreiber Monica , Seck Mame Cheikh , Siddiqui Sameed , Siddle Katherine , Smither Allison R. , Sy Mouhamad , Sy Ngayo , Tomkins-Tinch Christopher H. , Tomori Oyewale , Ugwu Chinedu , Uwanibe Jessica N. , Uyigue Eghosasere Anthonia , Victoria Dada Ireti , Vinzé Anika , Vodzak Megan E. , Welch Nicole , Wurie Haja Isatta , Zoumarou Daba , Grant Donald S. , Ndiaye Daouda , MacInnis Bronwyn , Sabeti Pardis C. , Happi Christian 
Published: August 2021

While investigating a signal of adaptive evolution in humans at the gene LARGE, we encountered an intriguing finding by Dr. Stefan Kunz that the gene plays a critical role in Lassa virus binding and entry. This led us to pursue field work to test our hypothesis that natural selection acting on LARGE—detected in the Yoruba population of Nigeria—conferred resistance to Lassa Fever in some West African populations. As we delved further, we conjectured that the “emerging” nature of recently discovered diseases like Lassa fever is related to a newfound capacity for detection, rather than a novel viral presence, and that humans have in fact been exposed to the viruses that cause such diseases for much longer than previously suspected. Dr. Stefan Kunz’s critical efforts not only laid the groundwork for this discovery, but also inspired and catalyzed a series of events that birthed Sentinel, an ambitious and large-scale pandemic prevention effort in West Africa. Sentinel aims to detect and characterize deadly pathogens before they spread across the globe, through implementation of its three fundamental pillars: Detect, Connect, and Empower. More specifically, Sentinel is designed to detect known and novel infections rapidly, connect and share information in real time to identify emerging threats, and empower the public health community to improve pandemic preparedness and response anywhere in the world. We are proud to dedicate this work to Stefan Kunz, and eagerly invite new collaborators, experts, and others to join us in our efforts.