Z. Mou

Immunological correlates of protection mediated by a whole organism Cryptococcus neoformans vaccine deficient in chitosan

This paper identifies CD4+ T cells and their cytokines IFNγ, TNF, and IL-23 as critical for vaccine-mediated protection against Cryptococcus neoformans, with protection retained after vaccination even with CD4+ T cell depletion.

NONEXPRESSOR OF PATHOGENESIS-RELATED GENES control Huanglongbing tolerance by regulating immune balance in citrus plants

This study shows that overexpressing AtNPR1 or silencing AtNPR3/AtNPR4 orthologs in citrus enhances HLB tolerance by regulating immune balance and reducing callose and ROS accumulation.

Multiplexed gene editing with a multi-intron containing Cas9 gene in citrus

This paper introduces a multiplex gene editing system in citrus using a multi-intron Cas9 gene and gRNA-tRNA arrays to target the PDS gene, improving editing efficiency in Carrizo citrange and Duncan grapefruit.

How NINJ1 mediates plasma membrane rupture and why NINJ2 cannot

The paper identifies NINJ1 as an active mediator of plasma membrane rupture and explains why NINJ2 cannot, through structural and functional analysis of their filaments.

High-throughput identification of prefusion-stabilizing mutations in SARS-CoV-2 spike

The paper identifies mutations that stabilize the prefusion conformation of SARS-CoV-2 spike while improving expression, using a combination of fluorescence-based assays, cell display, and deep mutational scanning.

Protection of mice against experimental cryptococcosis by synthesized peptides delivered in glucan particles

The paper shows that glucan particle-based vaccines containing specific peptides from C. neoformans proteins can protect mice against cryptococcosis, with varying efficacy depending on the peptide and mouse strain.

Critical interactions for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding to ACE2 identified by machine learning

This study identifies critical residues for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding to ACE2 using machine learning and free energy calculations, showing how specific mutations affect binding affinity.

The Long Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) Suppresses Immunity to Cutaneous Leishmaniasis by Negatively Regulating Th17 Response

This study shows PTX3 suppresses Th17 responses and increases susceptibility to Leishmania major infection by inhibiting IL-17A production and Th17-specific transcription factors.