D. Sok

HIV envelope trimers and gp120 as immunogens to induce broadly neutralizing antibodies in cows

This study investigates whether engineering HIV Env trimers or using gp120 can induce broadly neutralizing antibodies in cows, finding that trimers are more effective than monomeric gp120.

Immunization of cows with HIV envelope trimers generates broadly neutralizing antibodies to the V2-apex from the ultralong CDRH3 repertoire

This study immunized cows with HIV Env trimers to generate broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting the V2-apex, revealing ultralong CDRH3 antibodies outcompete shorter ones in the response.

Diverse competitor B cell responses to a germline-targeting priming immunogen in human Ig loci transgenic mice

The paper analyzes B cell responses to a germline-targeting immunogen in human Ig loci transgenic mice, finding diverse non-VRC01-class B cells and competitor B cells recognizing epitopes near the VRC01 epitope.

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.

Ancestral SARS-CoV-2 driven antibody repertoire diversity in an unvaccinated individual correlates with expanded neutralization breadth

The paper examines antibody diversity in an unvaccinated SARS-CoV-2 infected individual, finding that post-vaccination neutralization breadth against Omicron variants is comparable to vaccinated individuals and breakthrough infections.

HIV skews the SARS-CoV-2 B cell response toward an extrafollicular maturation pathway

This study shows that HIV infection shifts the SARS-CoV-2 B cell response toward an extrafollicular pathway, leading to lower affinity antibodies and reduced vaccine efficacy in people living with HIV.

Efficient isolation of rare B cells using next-generation antigen barcoding

This paper introduces a method for efficiently isolating rare antigen-specific B cells using next-generation antigen barcoding and a computational framework, demonstrating its ability to recover thousands of mAbs, including rare HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies.

Engineering SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies for increased potency and reduced viral escape

This study engineers SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies through directed evolution to enhance their potency and reduce viral escape.

A combination of potently neutralizing monoclonal antibodies isolated from an Indian convalescent donor protects against the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant

This paper identifies two potent monoclonal antibodies from an Indian donor that neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants including Delta, showing protection in a mouse model.

Molecular insights into antibody-mediated protection against the prototypic simian immunodeficiency virus

This study identifies nAbs against SIVmac239, reveals structural features of its Env trimer, and shows passive transfer of nAbs protects macaques from infection.

Broadening a SARS-CoV-1 neutralizing antibody for potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralization through directed evolution

This paper describes engineering a SARS-CoV-1 neutralizing antibody to effectively neutralize SARS-CoV-2 through directed evolution and affinity maturation.

From Structure to Sequence: Identification of polyclonal antibody families using cryoEM

This paper uses cryoEM and next-generation sequencing to identify monoclonal antibodies from polyclonal sera and validate their antigen-binding properties.

Elicitation of potent serum neutralizing antibody responses in rabbits by immunization with an HIV-1 clade C trimeric Env derived from an Indian elite neutralizer

This study shows that immunization with a thermostable HIV-1 clade C Env trimer induces potent autologous neutralizing antibodies in rabbits, with distinct epitope specificity compared to natural infection.

Structural basis of a public antibody response to SARS-CoV-2

The paper identifies IGHV3-53 as a common VH gene for SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies and determines its structural basis for binding the RBD.

Rapid isolation of potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies and protection in a small animal model

This study rapidly identifies potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies and demonstrates their protective efficacy in an animal model.

Mapping the immunogenic landscape of near-native HIV-1 envelope trimers in non-human primates

This study maps antibody responses to HIV-1 envelope trimers in non-human primates, identifying strain-specific and conserved epitopes recognized by vaccine-induced antibodies.

Mapping polyclonal antibody responses in non-human primates vaccinated with HIV Env trimer subunit vaccines

This study maps polyclonal antibody responses in non-human primates vaccinated with HIV Env trimer subunit vaccines and identifies epitopes associated with neutralization breadth.

Reprogramming the antigen specificity of B cells using genome-editing technologies

This study reprograms B cells to express HIV-specific BCRs by editing immunoglobulin genes with CRISPR-Cas9, enabling improved anti-HIV neutralizing activity.

HIV-1 vaccine design through minimizing envelope metastability

This paper demonstrates that gp41ECTO is the main source of HIV-1 envelope metastability and shows that stabilizing it improves nanoparticle assembly and induces more effective tier 2 neutralizing antibodies.