M. Cortese

Inactivation of the Niemann Pick C1 cholesterol transporter 1 (NPC1) restricts SARS-CoV-2 infection

This study shows that inactivating NPC1 reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection by trapping ACE2 in lysosomes and disrupting viral entry.

Mucosal Immunization of Cynomolgus Macaques with Adenoviral Vector Vaccine Elicits Neutralizing Nasal and Serum Antibody to Several SARS-CoV-2 Variants

This study evaluates mucosal immunization with SARS-CoV-2 adenoviral vaccines in macaques, finding that a Wuhan-specific vaccine induces strong cross-reactive serum and nasal antibody responses against multiple variants.

Convergent use of phosphatidic acid for Hepatitis C virus and SARS-CoV-2 replication organelle formation

This study identifies phosphatidic acid as critical for double membrane vesicle formation in HCV and SARS-CoV-2 replication, suggesting host-targeted PA synthesis inhibition as a therapeutic strategy.

The FDA-approved drug cobicistat synergizes with remdesivir to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication

This study shows that cobicistat synergizes with remdesivir to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in cell lines and organoids, reducing viral replication to levels comparable to uninfected cells.

Microscopy-based assay for semi-quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in human sera

The paper develops a semi-quantitative microscopy-based assay to detect SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in human sera, providing a sensitive and specific method for serological analysis.

Global analysis of protein-RNA interactions in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells reveals key regulators of infection

The paper identifies key host and viral RNA-binding proteins involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection and shows that drugs targeting these proteins can inhibit infection.

Challenges for targeting SARS-CoV-2 proteases as a therapeutic strategy for COVID-19

This study evaluates compounds targeting SARS-CoV-2 proteases Mpro and PLpro, finding limited efficacy for Mpro due to off-target inhibition of host cathepsins and no viable hits for PLpro.

Pre-clinical studies of a recombinant adenoviral mucosal vaccine to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection

This study evaluates mucosal adenovirus vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, showing that full-length spike antigen induces stronger neutralizing antibodies and T-cell responses compared to partial antigens in mice.

A versatile reporter system to monitor virus infected cells and its application to dengue virus and SARS-CoV-2

This paper introduces a versatile reporter system that detects virus-infected cells by using protease activity and applies it to dengue virus and SARS-CoV-2.

SARS-CoV-2 infection induces a pro-inflammatory cytokine response through cGAS-STING and NF-κB

This study shows SARS-CoV-2 triggers a pro-inflammatory cytokine response via cGAS-STING and NF-κB in epithelial cells, which may contribute to severe disease.

Structures, conformations and distributions of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein trimers on intact virions

This study uses cryo-electron microscopy to determine the structure, conformational flexibility, and distribution of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein trimers on intact virions.

SARS-CoV-2 structure and replication characterized by in situ cryo-electron tomography

This study uses in situ cryo-electron tomography to visualize SARS-CoV-2 replication compartments and virion structure, revealing RNA filament organization and vRNP packaging mechanisms.

Critical role of type III interferon in controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection, replication and spread in primary human intestinal epithelial cells

This study shows that human intestinal epithelial cells support SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication, with type III interferon more effective than type I in controlling viral spread.