M. Imai

Characterization of an EG.5.1 clinical isolate in vitro and in vivo

This study characterizes the in vitro and in vivo properties of the EG.5.1 SARS-CoV-2 variant, showing increased transmissibility and altered antigenicity compared to XBB.1.5.

Can SARS-CoV-2 transmit from a dead body?

This study investigates SARS-CoV-2 transmission from dead bodies using a hamster model, finding that transmission is possible but can be prevented by postmortem care and embalming.

Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.75 clinical isolates

This study evaluates the replicative ability and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.75 isolates in Syrian hamsters, finding higher lung replication and focal pneumonia compared to BA.2 and BA.5.

Fc-modified SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies with therapeutic effects in two animal models.

The paper develops Fc-modified SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies effective against variants, showing reduced viral titers and lung damage in animal models.

Avian H7N9 influenza viruses are evolutionarily constrained by stochastic processes during replication and transmission in mammals

This study shows that H7N9 avian influenza viruses face strong evolutionary constraints during mammalian transmission, making human adaptation unlikely without rare, stochastic events.

Highly-Neutralizing COVID-19-Convalescent-Plasmas Potently Block SARS-CoV-2 Replication and Pneumonia in Syrian Hamsters.

This study shows that highly-neutralizing COVID-19 convalescent plasmas significantly reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral titers and lung lesions in Syrian hamsters compared to moderately neutralizing plasmas.

SARS-CoV-2 spike P681R mutation, a hallmark of the Delta variant, enhances viral fusogenicity and pathogenicity

This study shows the P681R mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein enhances fusogenicity and pathogenicity in the Delta variant compared to the prototypic virus.

Optimization of an LNP-mRNA vaccine candidate targeting SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain

This study optimizes an LNP-mRNA vaccine targeting SARS-CoV-2 RBD by removing reactogenic materials, improving immunogenicity and protection in macaques.

Activity-specificity trade-off gives PI5P4Kβ a nucleotide preference to function as a GTP-sensing kinase.

This study identifies the TRNVF motif as responsible for PI5P4Kβ's GTP binding and extended specificity to ITP and XTP, showing how its GTP preference allows it to function as a GTP sensor despite low cellular concentrations of ITP and XTP.

The anticoagulant nafamostat potently inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro: an existing drug with multiple possible therapeutic effects

This study shows nafamostat inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro by blocking TMPRSS2-mediated fusion, with potency exceeding its blood concentration, suggesting it as a potential COVID-19 treatment.

Hydroxide Ion Carrier for Proton Pump in Bacteriorhodopsin: Primary Proton Transfer

This study uses quantum-mechanical simulations to reveal a hydroxide ion mechanism for primary proton transfer in bacteriorhodopsin, showing the role of specific internal water molecules in the process.