L. Rodriguez

TNFR1-mediated senescence and lack of TNFR2-signaling limit human intervertebral disc cell repair in back pain conditions

This study identifies TNFR1-mediated senescence and limited TNFR2 signaling as barriers to intervertebral disc cell repair in back pain, suggesting immunomodulation as a therapeutic strategy.

Discovery of GS-5245 (Obeldesivir), an Oral Prodrug of Nucleoside GS-441524 that Exhibits Antiviral Efficacy in SARS-CoV-2 Infected African Green Monkeys

A single-dose of intranasal vaccination with a live-attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate promotes protective mucosal and systemic immunity

Antigen-dependent IL-12 signaling in CAR T cells promotes regional to systemic disease targeting

This study develops TAG72-CAR T cells with antigen-dependent IL-12 signaling to enhance anti-tumor activity and systemic disease targeting in ovarian cancer.

Functional mRNA delivery to hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in vivo.

This study demonstrates in vivo delivery of functional mRNA to hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) using lipid nanoparticles, achieving transfection in ~25% of mouse HSC with potential for therapeutic applications.

ABP1/ABL3-TMK1 cell-surface auxin signaling directly targets PIN2-mediated auxin fluxes for root gravitropism

The paper identifies a mechanism where auxin signaling via ABP1-TMK1 receptor module stabilizes PIN2 to reinforce asymmetric auxin flow for root gravitropism.

Evolutionary analysis in Enterobacterales of the Rcs-repressor protein IgaA unveils two cytoplasmic small β-barrel domains central for function

This study investigates the evolutionary divergence of IgaA in Enterobacterales, identifying two cytoplasmic β-barrel domains critical for its function in repressing the Rcs system.

NF-κB inhibitor alpha has a cross-variant role during SARS-CoV-2 infection in ACE2-overexpressing human airway organoids

The paper uses ACE2-overexpressing airway organoids to show NF-κB inhibitor alpha is upregulated during SARS-CoV-2 infection and its reduced function increases viral infection.

Immediate myeloid depot for SARS-CoV-2 in the human lung

The paper investigates early SARS-CoV-2 infection in human lung myeloid cells, finding rapid viral tropism, ACE2 dependence, and poor interferon induction, suggesting a myeloid depot for viral persistence.

Remdesivir and GS-441524 retain antiviral activity against Delta, Omicron, and other emergent SARS-CoV-2 variants

This study assesses the antiviral activity of remdesivir and GS-441524 against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants, finding they remain effective against Delta, Omicron, and other variants.

A single amino acid substitution in PB1 of pandemic H1N1 with A/Ann Arbor/6/60 master donor virus mutations as a novel live-attenuated influenza virus vaccine

This paper shows that a single amino acid change in the PB1 protein of the pandemic H1N1 virus can create a live-attenuated vaccine with reduced pathogenicity and transmission.

CAR modulates plasma membrane nano-organization and immune signaling downstream of RALF1-FERONIA signaling pathway

This study shows that the FER-CAR module regulates plasma membrane nano-organization and immune signaling through a feedback loop during RALF1 signaling.

Single Tube qPCR detection and quantitation of hotspot mutations down to 0.01% VAF

This paper introduces As-BDA, a method that detects and quantifies rare mutations down to 0.01% VAF using qPCR, with high concordance compared to ddPCR.

SARS-CoV-2 infection studies in lung organoids identify TSPAN8 as novel mediator

The paper identifies TSPAN8 as a novel mediator of SARS-CoV-2 infection in lung organoids, showing its correlation with infection rates and susceptibility to blocking antibodies.

The type 2 asthma mediator IL-13 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection of bronchial epithelium

This study shows IL-13 reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection in bronchial epithelial cells by altering gene expression and inhibiting viral replication.

SARS-CoV-2 RBD-Tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine induces a strong neutralizing immunity in preclinical studies

Global Absence and Targeting of Protective Immune States in Severe COVID-19.

The paper identifies that severe COVID-19 patients lack ISG-expressing cells and have antibodies that block their production, contrasting with mild cases.

Bifidobacteria-mediated immune system imprinting early in life

This study shows that lack of Bifidobacteria in early life is linked to immune dysregulation, and B. infantis EVC001 reduces intestinal Th2 and Th17 responses while promoting Th1 polarization.

Opposing signaling pathways regulate morphology in response to temperature in the fungal pathogen Histoplasma capsulatum

This study identifies temperature-responsive regulons in Histoplasma capsulatum that regulate morphology and gene expression in response to temperature, revealing opposing signaling pathways that control hyphal and yeast forms.

Sacral agenesis: A pilot whole exome sequencing and copy number study

This study uses whole exome sequencing and copy number analysis to identify genetic variants in four CRS trios, finding de novo and inherited mutations in candidate genes and CNVs overlapping with previously reported deletions.