K. Floyd

CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are required to prevent SARS-CoV-2 persistence in the nasal compartment

This study shows that CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are necessary to prevent SARS-CoV-2 persistence in the nasal compartment but not in the lungs.

Toxoplasma gondii harbors a hypoxia-responsive coproporphyrinogen dehydrogenase-like protein.

This study identifies a hypoxia-responsive coproporphyrinogen dehydrogenase-like protein in Toxoplasma gondii that exhibits enzymatic activity but does not affect intracellular growth under hypoxia.

Poly-basic peptides and polymers as new drug candidate against Plasmodium falciparum

This study shows poly-lysine peptides and their modifications can reduce Plasmodium falciparum in human erythrocytes in vitro, with potential as new antimalarial drugs.

Integrated Organ Immunity: Antigen-specific CD4-T cell-derived IFN-γ induced by BCG imprints prolonged lung innate resistance against respiratory viruses

A cathepsin C-like protease post-translationally modifies Toxoplasma gondii secretory proteins for optimal invasion and egress.

This study identifies TgCPC1, a cathepsin C-like protease in Toxoplasma gondii, as essential for the post-translational modification of micronemal proteins required for invasion and egress.

MAPK/ERK Activation in Macrophages Promotes Leishmania Internalization and Pathogenesis

This study shows that MAPK/ERK signaling in macrophages promotes Leishmania uptake and disease severity, with trametinib reducing infection in mice.

mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 mRNA vaccines have reduced neutralizing activity against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant

This study evaluates the neutralizing activity of mRNA vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, showing reduced efficacy after the second dose but improved responses following a third dose.

An essential ER-resident N-acetyltransferase in Plasmodium falciparum

The paper identifies an ER-resident N-acetyltransferase in Plasmodium falciparum essential for parasite growth but not for protein export or acetylation of specific exported proteins.

Infection and vaccine-induced neutralizing antibody responses to the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.1 variant

This study assesses neutralizing antibody responses to the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.1 variant in convalescent and vaccinated individuals, finding it is 6.8-fold more resistant but still neutralizable.

CCR2-dependent monocyte-derived cells restrict SARS-CoV-2 infection

This study identifies a CCR2-dependent monocyte-derived cell mechanism that restricts SARS-CoV-2 infection and inflammation in the lungs of mice.

Immune Correlates of Protection by mRNA-1273 Immunization against SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Nonhuman Primates

This study shows that mRNA-1273 vaccine-induced antibody responses correlate with protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection in nonhuman primates.

Isolation and Characterization of Cross-Neutralizing Coronavirus Antibodies from COVID-19+ Subjects

The paper isolates and characterizes cross-neutralizing antibodies from COVID-19 patients, identifying antibodies that neutralize both SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, including variants.

Vaccination with SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and AS03 Adjuvant Induces Rapid Anamnestic Antibodies in the Lung and Protects Against Virus Challenge in Nonhuman Primates

This study shows that an AS03-adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 spike protein vaccine induces strong antibody responses and protects nonhuman primates from viral challenge.

Reduced binding and neutralization of infection- and vaccine-induced antibodies to the B.1.351 (South African) SARS-CoV-2 variant

The paper compares antibody binding and neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 B.1 and B.1.351 variants in infected and vaccinated individuals, finding reduced titers but retained neutralization.

Characterization of neutralizing versus binding antibodies and memory B cells in COVID-19 recovered individuals from India

This study examines humoral and memory B cell responses in Indian COVID-19 recovered individuals, finding that RBD-specific IgG correlates with neutralizing antibodies and can serve as a surrogate for neutralization assays.

Modified Vaccinia Ankara Based SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Expressing Full-Length Spike Induces Strong Neutralizing Antibody Response

This study develops two MVA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, MVA/S and MVA/S1, and finds that MVA/S induces stronger neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 compared to MVA/S1.

Toxoplasma gondii requires its plant-like heme biosynthesis pathway for infection.

This study shows Toxoplasma gondii relies on its plant-like heme biosynthesis pathway for infection and demonstrates oxadiazon and its derivatives inhibit growth, suggesting heme biosynthesis as a therapeutic target.

An ortholog of P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT) plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of the endolysosomal system in Toxoplasma gondii to facilitate host invasion

This study identifies TgCRT as a key regulator of the endolysosomal system in Toxoplasma gondii, showing its role in maintaining VAC integrity and facilitating parasite invasion.