H. Khakzad

The increased hinge flexibility of an IgG1-IgG3 hybrid monoclonal enhances Fc-mediated protection against group A streptococci

This study shows that increasing Fc flexibility in an IgG1-IgG3 hybrid monoclonal antibody enhances opsonic function and protection against group A streptococci.

IpaA reveals distinct modes of vinculin activation during Shigella invasion and cell-matrix adhesion

This study shows IpaA activates vinculin in distinct ways during Shigella invasion and cell-matrix adhesion, with different effects on invasion and adhesion.

Shigella ipaA mediates actin bundling through diffusible vinculin oligomers with activation imprint

This study shows that Shigella IpaA induces vinculin homo-oligomerization, leading to actin bundling and stable cell adhesion independent of force transduction.

Invasive streptococcal infection can lead to the generation of cross-strain opsonic antibodies

This study examines opsonic antibody responses to invasive S. pyogenes infections, finding modest increases in antibody binding and variable opsonic capacity across strains.

Opsonization by non-neutralizing antibodies can confer protection to SARS-CoV-2 despite Spike-dependent modulation of phagocytosis

This study shows that non-neutralizing Spike-specific antibodies can enhance phagocytosis of SARS-CoV-2 by monocytes, potentially offering protection despite not neutralizing the virus.

A human monoclonal antibody bivalently binding two different epitopes in streptococcal M protein protects against infection

The paper describes a human monoclonal antibody that binds two distinct epitopes on streptococcal M protein via a bivalent dual-Fab cis mode, providing protection against infection.

Streptococcus pyogenes forms serotype and local environment-dependent inter-species protein complexes

This study identifies serotype- and microenvironment-dependent protein interactions between Streptococcus pyogenes and host proteins using mass spectrometry and modeling.