R. Nchioua

Attenuated replication and damaging effects of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron in an intestinal epithelial barrier model

This study compares the effects of SARS-CoV-2 early strains and Omicron variants on intestinal barrier function using a human gut epithelial model, finding Omicron causes less damage.

Tetherin restricts SARS-CoV-2 replication despite antagonistic effects of Spike and ORF7a

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 S and ORF7a antagonize Tetherin, but Tetherin still restricts SARS-CoV-2 replication.

Modulation of type I interferon responses potently inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication and inflammation in rhesus macaques

This study shows that modulating type I interferon responses in rhesus macaques reduces SARS-CoV-2 viral load and inflammation, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for severe COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern are dependent on IFITM2 for efficient replication in human lung cells

The paper was withdrawn due to duplicate submission and is not intended for citation.

SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern remain dependent on IFITM2 for efficient replication in human lung cells

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) require IFITM2 for efficient replication in human lung cells, with IFITM2 depletion reducing viral RNA and infectious virus production by over four orders of magnitude.

The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 maintains high sensitivity to interferons in human lung cells

This study examines IFN sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 variants, finding Delta remains as sensitive as early isolates, while Alpha, Beta, and Gamma show increased resistance.

Spike mutation T403R allows bat coronavirus RaTG13 to use human ACE2

The paper shows that a single amino acid mutation in the Spike protein of bat coronavirus RaTG13 enables it to use human ACE2 for infection.

Imperfect innate immune antagonism renders SARS-CoV-2 vulnerable towards IFN-γ and -{lambda}

This study identifies SARS-CoV-2's vulnerability to IFN-γ and -λ due to its inefficient antagonism of type I and II IFN responses, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies.

Species-specific differences in antagonism of APOBEC3 proteins by HIV-2 and SIVsmm Vif proteins

This study compares the ability of HIV-2 and SIVsmm Vif proteins to counteract human APOBEC3 proteins, showing HIV-2 acquired adaptive changes for efficient counteraction in humans.

IFITM proteins promote SARS-CoV-2 infection and are targets for virus inhibition

This study shows that IFITM proteins are required for SARS-CoV-2 infection and can be targeted to inhibit viral entry and replication.

The Zinc Finger Antiviral Protein restricts SARS-CoV-2

This paper identifies ZAP as an IFN-induced antiviral effector that restricts SARS-CoV-2 by targeting CpG dinucleotides, though SARS-CoV-2 may be adapted to low CpG environments.