G. De Lorenzo

Phenotyping the virulence of SARS-CoV-2 variants in hamsters by digital pathology and machine learning

This study develops quantitative pipelines using digital pathology and machine learning to assess the virulence of SARS-CoV-2 variants in hamsters, showing that some Omicron sub-lineages have regained virulence.

BERBERINE BRIDGE ENZYME-LIKE OXIDASES OF CELLODEXTRINS AND MIXED-LINKED β-GLUCANS CONTROL SEED COAT FORMATION

This paper characterizes CELLOX2, an Arabidopsis BBE-l oxidase that oxidizes cell wall-derived DAMPs, showing that its absence alters seed coat and mucilage structure without affecting monosaccharide composition.

The P681H mutation in the Spike glycoprotein escapes IFITM restriction and is necessary for type I interferon resistance in the SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant

This paper shows the P681H mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant's Spike protein enables resistance to type I interferon and IFITM proteins, enhancing viral entry and transmission.

Validation of an engineered Zika virus-like particle vaccine candidate in a mosquito-mouse transmission model

This study validates a ZIKV vaccine candidate by testing its efficacy in a mosquito-mouse transmission model, showing protection against disease and reduced viral transmission.

Evolution of enhanced innate immune suppression by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants

This study shows that later Omicron subvariants of SARS-CoV-2, such as BA.4 and BA.5, have evolved enhanced innate immune suppression compared to earlier subvariants like BA.1 and BA.2.

Rotavirus spike protein VP4 mediates viroplasm assembly by association to actin filaments

This study shows that rotavirus VP4 interacts with actin filaments to facilitate viroplasm assembly, using a recombinant virus with a modified VP4 to demonstrate the role of this interaction.

Berberine Bridge Enzyme-Like Oligosaccharide Oxidases Act As Enzymatic Transducers Between Microbial Glycoside Hydrolases And Plant Peroxidases

The paper shows OGOX1 and CELLOX oxidize plant cell wall fragments, generating H2O2 that plant peroxidases direct towards defense or developmental reactions.

The altered entry pathway and antigenic distance of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant map to separate domains of spike protein

This study identifies distinct genetic determinants in the Omicron spike protein for altered cell entry and antigenic properties, showing they are separable and may affect future variant severity and vaccine efficacy.

The P681H mutation in the Spike glycoprotein confers Type I interferon resistance in the SARS-CoV-2 alpha (B.1.1.7) variant

This study shows the P681H mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant's Spike protein confers resistance to Type I interferon, enhancing viral replication by evading innate immune responses.

Mutations that adapt SARS-CoV-2 to mustelid hosts do not increase fitness in the human airway.

The paper identifies spike mutations that adapt SARS-CoV-2 to mustelid hosts and assesses their impact on human infectivity and antigenicity.

A recombinant rotavirus harboring a spike protein with a heterologous peptide reveals a novel role of VP4 in viroplasm stability

This paper engineers a recombinant rotavirus with a VP4-BAP tag, showing VP4's role in viroplasm stability and replication fitness.