C. Martens

Mechanism of phage sensing and abortion by toxin-antitoxin-chaperone systems

This study identifies and characterizes two Escherichia coli TAC systems that mediate antiphage defense by recognizing phage proteins and modifying mRNA to inhibit translation.

The folding-limited nucleation of curli hints at an evolved safety mechanism for functional amyloid production

This study investigates the molecular mechanism of curli amyloid formation in Salmonella and Escherichia coli, revealing a folding-limited nucleation process that balances efficient polymerization with avoiding premature aggregation.

Imbalanced immune response and dysregulation of neural functions underline fatal opportunistic encephalitis caused by astrovirus

This study investigates astrovirus-induced CNS infection in immunocompromised patients, showing immune dysregulation and neural dysfunction similar to HIV.

Host and viral determinants of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the Syrian hamster

This study investigates how SARS-CoV-2 infection affects airborne transmission in Syrian hamsters, finding that viral shedding and transmission efficiency vary by host and virus factors.

Infection- or vaccine mediated immunity reduces SARS-CoV-2 transmission, but increases competitiveness of Omicron in hamsters

This study shows that vaccination and prior infection reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission but increase Omicron competitiveness in hamsters compared to Delta.

Direct activation of an innate immune system in bacteria by a viral capsid protein

This study identifies a bacterial immune system that directly senses a viral capsid protein through a toxin-antitoxin system, revealing a PAMP-like mechanism for innate immunity in bacteria.

Severe acute respiratory disease in American mink (Neovison vison) experimentally infected with SARS-CoV-2

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 infected mink develop severe respiratory disease with features similar to severe acute respiratory disease in humans.

Atypical B cells upregulate co-stimulatory molecules during malaria and secrete antibodies with T follicular helper cell support

This study shows that atypical B cells actively respond to acute malaria and have the capacity to produce antibodies with T cell help.

Genetically diverse mouse models of SARS-CoV-2 infection reproduce clinical variation in type I interferon and cytokine responses in COVID-19

The paper uses genetically diverse mice to model varied innate immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, showing differences in survival, viral replication, and cytokine profiles.

Subtle differences in the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 in rhesus macaques

This study compares the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 in rhesus macaques, finding differences in clinical outcomes and immune responses.

ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) protects Syrian hamsters against SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351 and B.1.1.7 1 disease

This study shows that the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine protects Syrian hamsters from SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variants, preventing weight loss, lung lesions, and viral replication.

Mitophagy antagonism by Zika virus reveals Ajuba as a regulator of PINK1-Parkin signaling, PKR-dependent inflammation, and viral invasion of tissues.

This study shows ZIKV NS5 inhibits mitophagy by blocking Ajuba's role in PINK1-Parkin signaling, leading to increased inflammation and viral spread.

Intranasal ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/AZD1222 vaccination reduces shedding of SARS-CoV-2 D614G in rhesus macaques

This study shows intranasal ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination reduces SARS-CoV-2 shedding in animal models but not pneumonia protection.

SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamics in lungs of African green monkeys

This study examines SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamics in African green monkeys, showing viral replication in the lower respiratory tract and macrophage involvement in inflammation.

Clinical benefit of remdesivir in rhesus macaques infected with SARS-CoV-2

This study shows remdesivir reduces SARS-CoV-2 viral load and lung damage in rhesus macaques when administered early in infection.

Substrate binding modulates the conformational kinetics of the secondary multidrug transporter LmrP

This study uses smFRET to show substrate binding modulates conformational kinetics of LmrP, revealing substrate-dependent structural changes in MFS transporters.

Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry captures distinct dynamics upon substrate and inhibitor binding to a transporter

The paper uses HDX-MS, mutagenesis, and MD simulations to show that substrate binding and protonation drive conformational changes in a transporter, while inhibitors prevent this transition.

Structural basis of Cullin-2 RING E3 ligase regulation by the COP9 signalosome

The paper determines the structure and dynamics of CSN-CRL2 complexes using cryo-EM and mass spectrometry, revealing a stepwise activation mechanism.