A. N. Loes

High-throughput sequencing-based neutralization assay reveals how repeated vaccinations impact titers to recent human H1N1 influenza strains

This study develops a high-throughput sequencing-based neutralization assay to measure antibody titers against multiple influenza strains and finds that vaccination effects vary by individual and prior vaccination history.

Age-dependent heterogeneity in the antigenic effects of mutations to influenza hemagglutinin

The paper maps how HA mutations affect neutralization by serum from different age groups, showing age-dependent antigenic effects and implications for viral evolution.

Receptor binding domain (RBD) antibodies contribute more to SARS-CoV-2 neutralization when target cells express high levels of ACE2

This study shows that RBD antibodies contribute more to SARS-CoV-2 neutralization when target cells have high ACE2 expression, highlighting ACE2 levels as a critical experimental factor.

Shifting mutational constraints in the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain during viral evolution

The paper analyzes epistatic shifts in SARS-CoV-2 RBD mutations across variants to understand how they influence ACE2 binding and future evolution.

A SARS-CoV-2 variant elicits an antibody response with a shifted immunodominance hierarchy

This study compares antibody responses to early SARS-CoV-2 isolates and the B.1.351 variant, finding shifts in immunodominance hierarchy within the spike receptor-binding domain.

The SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-1273 vaccine elicits more RBD-focused neutralization, but with broader antibody binding within the RBD

The paper compares the specificity of antibodies from the mRNA-1273 vaccine and natural infection, finding vaccine antibodies are more RBD-focused but have broader epitope coverage within the RBD.

Comprehensive mapping of mutations to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain that affect recognition by polyclonal human serum antibodies

This study maps mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 RBD that affect recognition by polyclonal human serum antibodies, identifying key sites like E484 that significantly reduce neutralization.

Complete mapping of mutations to the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain that escape antibody recognition

This study maps mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD that escape antibody recognition, revealing escape mutation patterns and enabling the design of antibody cocktails.

Attenuated influenza virions expressing the SARS- CoV-2 receptor-binding domain induce neutralizing antibodies in mice

This paper describes an influenza-based vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 that induces neutralizing antibodies in mice comparable to natural infection.

Protocol and reagents for pseudotyping lentiviral particles with SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein for neutralization assays

This paper provides a protocol for pseudotyping lentiviral particles with SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein to measure neutralizing antibody activity in a luciferase-based assay.

Evolution of multifunctionality through a pleiotropic substitution in the innate immune protein S100A9

The paper shows how a single mutation in S100A9 affects its proinflammatory activity and proteolytic resistance while leaving S100A8/S100A9 antimicrobial activity unchanged, enabling multifunctionality in mammals.

Identification and characterization of zebrafish Tlr4 co-receptor Md-2

The paper identifies a zebrafish Md-2 homolog, ly96, and shows it forms a Tlr4a complex that activates NF-κB in response to LPS, suggesting an ancestral Tlr4/Md-2 system in vertebrates.

Zinc-independent activation of Toll-like receptor 4 by S100A9

This study shows that S100A9 can activate TLR4 without requiring Zn2+ binding, challenging previous assumptions about the role of zinc in this interaction.