C. Ono

BCR, not TCR, repertoire diversity is associated with favorable COVID-19 prognosis

This study finds that BCR repertoire diversity, not TCR diversity, correlates with favorable outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

Upregulated Fcrl5 disrupts B cell anergy and causes autoimmunity

This study shows that upregulated Fcrl5 disrupts B cell anergy, leading to autoimmunity by activating autoreactive B cells and exacerbating autoimmune disease models.

SARS-CoV-2 ORF8 is a viral cytokine regulating immune responses

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 ORF8 protein acts as a cytokine that promotes lung inflammation and immune dysregulation in COVID-19, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target.

The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant is poised to acquire complete resistance to wild-type spike vaccines

The paper shows the Delta variant can escape NTD antibodies and gain infectivity when specific RBD mutations are present, suggesting the need for updated vaccines.

Versatile live attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine platform applicable to variants induces protective immunity

This study develops a live attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine platform using temperature-sensitive mutations that provides protection against homologous and heterologous viral challenges.

Anti-CoVid19 plasmid DNA vaccine induces a potent immune response in rodents by Pyro-drive Jet Injector intradermal inoculation

This study evaluates a plasmid DNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 using a pyro-drive jet injector, showing strong immune response and protection in rodents.

Genomic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 can be accelerated by mutations in the nsp14 gene

The paper investigates how mutations in the nsp14 gene of SARS-CoV-2 affect genomic diversity and evolution, finding that the P203L mutation increases evolutionary rate and genomic variation.

An infectivity-enhancing site on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is targeted by COVID-19 patient antibodies

This study identifies an NTD site on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that enhances infectivity when targeted by antibodies, and finds these antibodies are present in hospitalized patients and some uninfected donors.

The N-terminal domain of spike glycoprotein mediates SARS-CoV-2 infection by associating with L-SIGN and DC-SIGN

This study identifies L-SIGN and DC-SIGN as receptors for the N-terminal domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, showing their role in infection and the importance of anti-NTD antibodies.

Preclinical study of DNA vaccines targeting SARS-CoV-2

This study evaluates a DNA vaccine targeting SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, showing enhanced humoral and cellular immune responses and neutralizing antibody activity.

Establishment of a reverse genetics system for SARS-CoV-2 using circular polymerase extension reaction

This study develops a PCR-based reverse genetics system for SARS-CoV-2 using CPER to generate infectious clones with high accuracy and titer.

SARS-CoV-2-induced humoral immunity through B cell epitope analysis and neutralizing activity in COVID-19 infected individuals in Japan

This study analyzes B cell epitopes and neutralizing activity in COVID-19 patients to identify potential vaccine targets.

Various miRNAs are involved in efficient HCV replication

This study identifies miRNAs other than miR-122 that support HCV replication in non-hepatic cells by interacting with the viral 5UTR and stabilizing the IRES structure.

USP15 participates in HCV propagation through the regulation of viral RNA translation and lipid droplet formation

This study identifies USP15 as a host factor for HCV propagation, showing it regulates viral RNA translation and lipid droplet formation in hepatic cells.