J. Blanco

A human-ACE2 knock-in mouse model for SARS-CoV-2 infection recapitulates respiratory disorders but avoids neurological disease associated with the transgenic K18-hACE2 model.

This paper introduces a knock-in mouse model for SARS-CoV-2 infection that replicates respiratory issues but avoids neurological disease seen in the K18-hACE2 model.

VLP-mediated delivery of structure-selected neoantigens demonstrates immunogenicity and antitumoral activity in mice

This study develops a neoantigen selection pipeline and a VLP-based vaccine platform to enhance immunogenicity and antitumor activity in mice.

Novel Spike-stabilized trimers with improved production protect K18-hACE2 mice and golden Syrian hamsters from the highly pathogenic SARS-CoV-2 Beta variant.

This paper identifies mutations that improve the production and efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 Spike proteins, protecting animal models from the Beta variant.

A Novel Monoclonal Antibody Targeting a Large Surface of the Receptor Binding Motif Shows Pan-neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 Activity Including BQ.1.1 Variant

This study characterizes a new monoclonal antibody, 17T2, that broadly neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 variants, including BQ.1.1, and shows in vivo prophylactic activity against Omicron BA.1.1.

Immunogenicity and safety in pigs of PHH-1V, a SARS-CoV-2 RBD fusion heterodimer vaccine candidate

This study evaluates the immunogenicity and safety of PHH-1V, a SARS-CoV-2 RBD fusion vaccine in pigs, showing a robust immune response and good safety profile.

Preclinical evaluation of PHH-1V vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2 in non-human primates

This study evaluates the PHH-1V vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2 in non-human primates, showing high antibody levels, balanced cellular immunity, and reduced viral load.

Beta-Cyclodextrins as affordable antivirals to treat coronavirus infection

The paper identifies beta-cyclodextrins as effective and affordable antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses through molecular modeling and in vitro testing.

Transactive response DNA-binding Protein (TDP-43) regulates early HIV-1 entry and infection.

This study shows that TDP-43 regulates HIV-1 infection by stabilizing HDAC6, reducing viral Env fusion and infection capacity in CD4+ T cells.

Preclinical evaluation of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate based on a recombinant RBD fusion heterodimer of SARS-CoV-2

This paper evaluates a recombinant RBD fusion heterodimer vaccine in mice, showing 100% efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 variants and neutralizing antibodies.

Molecular basis of unidirectional information transmission in two-component systems: lessons from the DesK-DesR thermosensor

The paper investigates the DesK-DesR two-component system in Bacillus subtilis, revealing structural and kinetic mechanisms that enable unidirectional signal transmission.

SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351 (beta) variant shows enhanced infectivity in K18-hACE2 transgenic mice and expanded tropism to wildtype mice compared to B.1 variant

This study shows that the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351 variant infects K18-hACE2 mice faster and wildtype mice, with milder symptoms than the B.1 variant.

The characteristics of the HIV-1 Env glycoprotein contribute to viral pathogenesis

This study examines how HIV-1 Env glycoprotein characteristics correlate with viral pathogenesis by comparing functional and sequence features across different clinical progression groups.

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 hyperimmune immunoglobulin provides potent and robust neutralization capacity and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and phagocytosis induction through N and S proteins

This study evaluates the neutralization and antibody-dependent cellular effects of anti-SARS-CoV-2 hyperimmune immunoglobulin against multiple SARS-CoV-2 isolates and variants.

Siglec-1 on dendritic cells mediates SARS-CoV-2 trans-infection of target cells while on macrophages triggers proinflammatory responses

This study shows Siglec-1 on APCs mediates SARS-CoV-2 trans-infection and triggers proinflammatory responses, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target.

Highly functional Cellular Immunity in SARS-CoV-2 Non-Seroconvertors is associated with immune protection

The paper examines T-cell immunity in SARS-CoV-2 non-seroconvertors, finding high functional T-cell responses and low immune activation correlate with protection from severe disease without seroconversion.

Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 Entry, Inflammation and New Therapeutics in Human Lung Tissue Cells

This paper develops a method using primary human lung tissue cells to study SARS-CoV-2 entry, inflammation, and therapeutics, identifying new drug candidates and showing interferons do not modulate ACE2 expression.

Previous SARS-CoV-2 infection increases B.1.1.7 cross-neutralization by vaccinated individuals.

The paper assesses how prior SARS-CoV-2 infection affects B.1.1.7 cross-neutralization in vaccinated individuals, finding that previously infected individuals show equivalent neutralization against B.1.1.7 compared to the Wuhan strain.

Protection against reinfection with D614- or G614-SARS-CoV-2 isolates in hamsters

This study shows that hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2 are not fully protected against reinfection with both original and variant isolates, but experience reduced lung disease severity upon re-exposure.

Cetylpyridinium chloride-containing mouthwashes reduce the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 variants in vitro

This study shows that CPC-containing mouthwashes significantly reduce SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in vitro across variants by disrupting the viral envelope and inhibiting fusion.

Stable neutralizing antibody levels six months after mild and severe COVID-19 episode

This study tracks neutralizing antibody levels in COVID-19 patients up to six months post-infection, finding persistent activity in mild cases and a slower decline in hospitalized individuals.

High diversity and variability of pipolins among a wide range of pathogenic Escherichia coli strains

The paper surveys pipolins in 2238 Escherichia coli strains, finding high diversity and variability despite limited prevalence, suggesting their role in genetic transfer among bacteria.

Identification of Plitidepsin as Potent Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2-Induced Cytopathic Effect after a Drug Repurposing Screen

This study screens existing drugs to identify potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2-induced cytopathic effect and viral replication, finding plitidepsin as the most effective clinically approved drug.

The Protective Association Of Endogenous Immunoglobulins Against Sepsis Mortality Is Restricted To Patients With Moderate Organ Failure.

This study finds that low levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM at ICU admission predict higher mortality in sepsis patients with moderate organ failure, but not in those with severe organ failure.