R. Longnecker

Structures of Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus virions reveal species-specific tegument and envelope features

This study uses cryoET and deep learning to reveal structural differences in the tegument and envelope of EBV and KSHV virions compared to other herpesviruses.

Multiple sites on glycoprotein H (gH) functionally interact with the gB fusion protein to promote fusion during herpes simplex virus (HSV) entry

This study identifies two gH mutations (H789Y and S830N) that partially restore HSV-1 entry function when paired with specific gB variants, suggesting functional interaction sites between gH/gL and gB.

Two pathways of p27Kip1 degradation are required for murine lymphoma driven by Myc and EBV latent membrane protein 2A

This study shows blocking both cytoplasmic and nuclear degradation pathways of p27Kip1 delays tumor onset in a murine model of EBV-positive Burkitt lymphoma.

Characterization of Sex Differences in Ocular HSV-1 Infection and Herpes Stromal Keratitis Pathogenesis of Wild Type and Herpesvirus Entry Mediator Knockout Mice

This study investigates sex differences in ocular HSV-1 infection and Herpes Stromal Keratitis pathogenesis in wild type and HVEM knockout mice, finding no significant sex-based differences in disease outcomes.

Ephrin receptor A4 (EphA4) is a new Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus virus entry receptor

This study identifies EphA4 as a new Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus entry receptor, showing it promotes viral fusion and infection better than EphA2 in HEK293T cells.

Natural selection of glycoprotein B (gB) mutations that rescue the small plaque phenotype of a fusion-impaired herpes simplex virus (HSV) mutant

This study identifies mutations in herpes simplex virus gB that restore fusion function and plaque size in a fusion-impaired mutant.