This study identifies PcdA, a protein from a phage restriction system, as a key factor in orthogonal cell division plane selection in S. aureus, with implications for antibiotic resistance.

bioRxiv · Sep 3, 2023Microbiology

Superiority of intranasal over systemic administration of bioengineered soluble ACE2 for survival and brain protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection

L. Hassler, J. Wysocki, J. T. Ahrendsen, M. Ye, I. Gelarden, V. Nicolaescu, A. Tomatsidou, H. Gula, C. Cianfarini, N. Khurram, Y. Kanwar, B. D. Singer, G. Randall, D. M. Missiakas, J. Henkin, D. Batlle

This study compares intranasal and systemic administration of bioengineered soluble ACE2 in mice, finding intranasal delivery provides better survival and brain protection against SARS-CoV-2.

bioRxiv · Dec 5, 2022 · PreprintPathology

A Protein A based Staphylococcus aureus vaccine with improved safety

M. Shi, X. Chen, Y. Sun, H. K. Kim, O. Schneewind, D. M. Missiakas

The paper identifies safer variants of Staphylococcal protein A (SpA) to develop clinical-grade vaccines for S. aureus, addressing immune escape mechanisms.

bioRxiv · Feb 19, 2021Microbiology

Septal Secretion of Protein A in Staphylococcus aureus Requires SecA and Lipoteichoic Acid Synthesis

W. Yu, D. M. Missiakas, O. Schneewind

This study identifies the role of SecA and lipoteichoic acid synthesis in the secretion of Staphylococcus aureus protein A across septal membranes.

bioRxiv · Jan 9, 2018Microbiology