P. Selvaraj

Antigenic cartography using hamster sera identifies SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 evasion seen in human XBB.1.5 booster sera

The paper uses hamster sera to map antigenic differences among SARS-CoV-2 variants, showing JN.1 has significant antigenic divergence from XBB.1.5.

Differential Patterns of Cross-Protection against Antigenically Distinct Variants in Small Animal Models of SARS-CoV-2 Infection

This study shows that immunity from previous infection or vaccination does not always prevent brain infection by antigenically distinct SARS-CoV-2 variants in animal models.

Rab7/Retromer-based endolysosomal trafficking facilitates effector secretion and host invasion in rice blast

This study identifies a novel endolysosomal trafficking pathway in Magnaporthe oryzae that facilitates effector secretion and host invasion via Rab7/Retromer/MoSnc1-mediated vesicle transport.

Spike Protein-independent Attenuation of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant in Laboratory Mice

This study shows that the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 causes milder disease and lower viral load in mice, likely due to mutations outside the spike protein that block post-entry processes.

Influenza virus-like particle-based hybrid vaccine containing RBD induces immunity against influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses

This study develops a hybrid vaccine combining influenza VLPs with SARS-CoV-2 RBD and GM-CSF, showing protection against both viruses in mice.

SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 infection of Syrian hamster does not cause more severe disease and is protected by naturally acquired immunity

The PRRA insert at the S1/S2 site modulates cellular tropism of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 usage by the closely related Bat raTG13

This study shows that the PRRA insert in SARS-CoV-2 and raTG13 Spike proteins affects ACE2 usage across species, altering cellular tropism.

Cpk2, a catalytic subunit of cyclic AMP-PKA, regulates growth and pathogenesis in rice blast

This study identifies CPK2 as a catalytic subunit of cAMP-PKA in Magnaporthe oryzae, showing it plays a role in surface sensing and morphogenesis during pathogenesis, with distinct functions from CPKA.