D. M. Smith

Hyperactive 20S Proteasome Enhances Proteostasis and ERAD in C. elegans via degradation of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins.

This study shows that a hyperactive 20S proteasome in C. elegans improves degradation of misfolded proteins, reduces oxidative damage, and extends lifespan without relying on known proteostasis pathways.

SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody treatment followed by vaccination shifts human memory B cell epitope recognition suggesting antibody feedback

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 mAb treatment shifts memory B cell epitope recognition, affecting their response to vaccination.

Early antiviral CD4 and CD8 T cell responses and antibodies are associated with upper respiratory tract clearance of SARS-CoV-2

The paper examines early T cell and antibody responses in COVID-19 patients and finds they correlate with reduced SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in the upper respiratory tract.

Modeling the emergence of viral resistance for SARS-CoV-2 during treatment with an anti-spike monoclonal antibody

This paper models viral resistance emergence in SARS-CoV-2 treated with anti-spike monoclonal antibodies, showing that target cell replenishment mechanisms can explain high viral rebounds.

The lung employs an intrinsic surfactant-mediated inflammatory response for viral defense

This study shows that surfactant proteins mediate an intrinsic inflammatory response in the lung to defend against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

A phenotypic screen of Marfan syndrome iPSC-derived vascular smooth muscle cells uncovers GSK3β as a new target

The paper screens small molecules in MFS patient-derived VSMCs to identify GSK3β as a novel therapeutic target for aortic disease.

Broadly neutralizing anti-S2 antibodies protect against all three human betacoronaviruses that cause severe disease

The paper identifies broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting the S2 region of betacoronavirus spikes that protect against SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS-CoV.

Distinguishing COVID-19 infection and vaccination history by T cell reactivity

This study develops a T cell-based method to distinguish between SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination by analyzing T cell reactivity to specific epitopes, achieving high classification accuracy across different groups.

Allosteric regulation of the proteasomes catalytic sites by the proteasome activator PA28gamma/REGgamma

This study shows PA28gamma allosterically upregulates the Trypsin-like catalytic site of the 20S proteasome without affecting gating, using Cryo-EM and mutagenesis.

A science friction story. Molecular interactions in semiflexible polymer networks

This study investigates how molecular friction and interactions affect the viscoelastic properties of semiflexible polymer networks through targeted surface modifications.

Targeted isolation of panels of diverse human protective broadly neutralizing antibodies against SARS-like viruses

This study isolates a panel of broadly neutralizing antibodies against SARS-like viruses from donors, showing effectiveness against multiple variants including Omicron.

Broadly neutralizing antibodies to SARS-related viruses can be readily induced in rhesus macaques

This study shows that rhesus macaques can be immunized to produce broadly neutralizing antibodies against multiple SARS-related viruses, highlighting differences in B cell repertoires between humans and macaques.

A human antibody reveals a conserved site on beta-coronavirus spike proteins and confers protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection

This study identifies a broadly neutralizing antibody that targets a conserved site on beta-coronavirus spike proteins and provides protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Negligible impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on CD4+ and CD8+ T cell reactivity in COVID-19 exposed donors and vaccinees.

The paper analyzes T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 variants and finds minimal impact on CD4+ and CD8+ T cell reactivity in convalescents and vaccinees.

Phylogenetic analyses of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 lineage suggest a single origin followed by multiple exportation events versus convergent evolution

This study uses phylodynamic methods to show that the B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 variant likely originated once and spread globally rather than evolving convergently from multiple sources.

Comprehensive analysis of T cell immunodominance and immunoprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 epitopes in COVID-19 cases

The paper identifies SARS-CoV-2 epitopes recognized by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in COVID-19 patients and develops epitope megapools for their detection.

Cross-reactive serum and memory B cell responses to spike protein in SARS-CoV-2 and endemic coronavirus infection

The paper examines cross-reactive serum and memory B cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 and endemic coronaviruses, finding weak serum cross-reactivity but stronger memory B cell cross-reactivity.

Rapid isolation of potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies and protection in a small animal model

This study rapidly identifies potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies and demonstrates their protective efficacy in an animal model.

EPS8 facilitates uncoating of influenza A virus

This study identifies EPS8 as a host factor that facilitates influenza A virus uncoating by delaying nuclear import of ribonucleoprotein complexes.

Mechanism of action of methotrexate against Zika virus

This study investigates how methotrexate inhibits Zika virus replication by targeting the dihydrofolate reductase pathway and shows that adenosine depletion also contributes to its antiviral effect.