C. Read

Attenuated replication and damaging effects of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron in an intestinal epithelial barrier model

This study compares the effects of SARS-CoV-2 early strains and Omicron variants on intestinal barrier function using a human gut epithelial model, finding Omicron causes less damage.

Human cytomegalovirus deploys molecular mimicry to recruit VPS4A to sites of virus assembly

This study identifies a viral motif in pUL71 that mimics cellular ESCRT-III components to recruit VPS4A to the HCMV assembly site, though its functional role remains unclear.

Dual signaling via interferon and DNA damage response elicits entrapment by giant PML nuclear bodies

The paper shows that dual interferon and DNA damage signaling leads to the formation of giant PML nuclear bodies that trap viral genomes and capsids, providing a multilayered antiviral defense.

Negatively charged peptide nanofibrils from immunoglobulin light chain sequester viral particles but lack cell-binding and viral transduction-enhancing properties

The paper shows that negatively charged peptide nanofibrils from immunoglobulin light chain bind viral particles similarly to positively charged ones but do not enhance retroviral infection.

Cellular Protrusions Engage Viral Infection Enhancing EF-C Peptide Nanofibrils

This study shows that peptide nanofibrils enhance viral infection by being actively engaged by cellular protrusions, not through random binding.

A cytomegalovirus immunevasin triggers integrated stress response-dependent reorganization of the endoplasmic reticulum.

This paper shows that HCMV's UL148 protein reorganizes the ER via the integrated stress response, affecting viral infectivity and immune evasion.