B. H. Hahn

Germline-targeting chimpanzee SIV Envelopes induce V2-apex broadly neutralizing-like B cell precursors in a rhesus macaque infection model

This study shows that germline-targeting SCIVs can activate and expand B cells expressing V2-apex bnAb-like precursors in rhesus macaques.

Structure-based stabilization of SOSIP Env enhances recombinant ectodomain durability and yield

This paper introduces a proline-stabilization strategy (2P) to enhance the durability and yield of recombinant HIV-1 Env trimers without altering their antigenic or conformational properties.

A germline-targeting chimpanzee SIV envelope glycoprotein elicits a new class of V2-apex directed cross-neutralizing antibodies

This study identifies a new class of V2-directed cross-neutralizing antibodies targeting a cryptic epitope in occluded-open HIV and SIV Env trimers.

Small CD4 mimetics sensitize HIV-1-infected macrophages to antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity

The paper shows that small CD4 mimetics expose ADCC epitopes on HIV-1-infected macrophages, making them susceptible to antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.

HIV-1 Vpu restricts Fc-mediated effector functions in vivo

This study shows that HIV-1 Vpu reduces nnAb recognition and ADCC resistance, with nnAb Fc-effector functions dependent on Env's open conformation.

Macrophage activation of cGAS and TRIM5 distinguish pandemic and non-pandemic HIV

The paper compares pandemic HIV-1(M) and non-pandemic HIV strains, finding that non-pandemic strains activate cGAS and TRIM5 in myeloid cells, leading to antiviral responses and poor replication.

Detection of the HIV-1 accessory proteins Nef and Vpu by flow cytometry represents a new tool to study their functional interplay within a single infected CD4+ T cell

The paper develops a flow cytometry method to detect HIV-1 Nef and Vpu in CD4+ T cells, showing Vpu cannot compensate for Nef absence in ADCC susceptibility.

HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins proteolytic cleavage protects infected cells from ADCC mediated by plasma from infected individuals

This study shows that HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins proteolytic cleavage protects infected cells from ADCC by reducing the exposure of uncleaved Env to non-neutralizing antibodies.

Red Blood Cells Function as DNA Sensors

The paper shows red blood cells detect and bind DNA, triggering immune responses during infections.

New SHIVs and Improved Design Strategy for Modeling HIV-1 Transmission, Immunopathogenesis, Prevention and Cure

This paper demonstrates that SHIVs with bulky aromatic amino acid substitutions at Env375 replicate efficiently in rhesus macaques and can be used for preclinical HIV vaccine testing.

Natural Cystatin C fragments inhibit GPR15-mediated HIV and SIV infection without interfering with GPR15L signaling

The paper identifies a Cystatin C fragment that inhibits GPR15-mediated HIV and SIV infection without affecting GPR15L signaling.

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.

Chimpanzee SIV Envelope trimer: structure and deployment as an HIV vaccine template

The paper describes the structure of a chimpanzee SIV Env trimer and shows it induces HIV V2-specific neutralizing antibodies in mice.