F. Pojer

ACE2 mimetic antibody potently neutralizes all SARS-CoV-2 variants and fully protects in XBB.1.5 challenged monkeys

Uncovering and engineering the mechanical properties of the adhesion GPCR ADGRG1 GAIN domain

This study investigates the mechanical properties of the ADGRG1 GAIN domain using single-molecule force spectroscopy and simulations, revealing structural mechanisms that enhance mechanical resistance and informing potential drug design.

Cryo-EM structures and binding of mouse and human ACE2 to SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern indicate that mutations enabling immune escape could expand host range

The paper reports cryo-EM structures of mouse ACE2 bound to SARS-CoV-2 VOC Spike proteins, showing mutations enabling immune escape may expand host range.

Machine learning predictions of MHC-II specificities reveal alternative binding mode of class II epitopes

The paper predicts MHC-II epitope specificities using machine learning, revealing a reverse binding mode in ligands across multiple species.

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron potently neutralized by a novel antibody with unique Spike binding properties

This paper identifies a potent human monoclonal antibody, P2G3, that neutralizes multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants including Omicron, and demonstrates its protective efficacy in a monkey model.

Structural analysis of the Spike of the Omicron SARS-COV-2 variant by cryo-EM and implications for immune evasion.

The paper reports cryo-EM structures of mouse ACE2 bound to Spike proteins of four SARS-CoV-2 variants, revealing mutations that enhance binding and immune evasion.

Structural investigation of ACE2 dependent disassembly of the trimeric SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein

This study uses cryo-EM to show that hACE2 binding causes SARS-CoV-2 Spike trimer disassembly and S1 domain rearrangement, suggesting a mechanism for soluble hACE2's therapeutic effect.

Immune response to vaccine candidates based on different types of nanoscaffolded RBD domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

This study evaluates DNA vaccines with RBD domains scaffolded by different peptides, finding that the β-annulus scaffold elicits the strongest immune response in mice.

Molecular mode of action of an Acyl Protein thioesterase

The paper investigates the molecular mechanism of APT2, showing it interacts with membranes via a hydrophobic loop and S-acylation, deforms lipid bilayers to extract acyl chains, and is subject to ubiquitination and degradation.

Btk SH2-kinase interface is critical for allosteric kinase activation and its targeting inhibits B-cell neoplasms

This study identifies the Btk SH2-kinase interface as critical for activation and shows that targeting it with a repebody inhibits B-cell neoplasms.