H. van Bakel

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Envelope T9I adaptation confers resistance to autophagy

The paper shows that the T9I mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 E protein confers autophagy resistance in Omicron variants, contributing to their spread.

Prophage-encoded methyltransferase drives adaptation of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

This study identifies a prophage-encoded methyltransferase, pamA, that enhances virulence in CA-MRSA by epigenetically upregulating fnbA, promoting biofilm formation and abscess size.

Human influenza A virus H1N1 1 in marine mammals in California, 2019

The paper reports the detection of human H1N1 influenza A virus in northern elephant seals in California in 2019, indicating continued zoonotic transmission from humans to marine mammals.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 ORF6 and its variant polymorphisms on host responses and viral pathogenesis.

This study shows SARS-CoV-2 ORF6 disrupts nucleo-cytoplasmic trafficking, inhibits IFN signaling, and modulates viral protein expression, with variant polymorphisms affecting its function.

Mapping SARS-CoV-2 antigenic relationships and serological responses

The paper uses antigenic cartography to analyze cross-reactivity among SARS-CoV-2 variants and human sera, identifying amino acid substitutions and immunodominance patterns affecting immune escape and vaccine efficacy.

Discovery of a SARS-CoV-2 Broadly-Acting Neutralizing Antibody with Activity against Omicron and Omicron + R346K Variants

This paper identifies a broadly neutralizing antibody, STI-9167, effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants including Omicron and Omicron + R346K, and describes its development for clinical trials.

Nirmatrelvir, Molnupiravir, and Remdesivir maintain potent in vitro activity against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant

This study evaluates the antiviral activity of nirmatrelvir, molnupiravir, and remdesivir against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and confirms their potency.

SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern have acquired mutations associated with an increased spike cleavage

This study shows SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern have mutations that increase spike cleavage and fusogenic capacity, enhancing viral transmission and cell entry.

Novel epitopes of human monoclonal antibodies targeting the influenza virus N1 neuraminidase

This study identifies novel epitopes of human monoclonal antibodies targeting the influenza virus N1 neuraminidase and characterizes escape mutations and their impact on viral fitness.

Respiratory tract explant infection dynamics of influenza A virus in California sea lions, northern elephant seals, and rhesus macaques

This study uses respiratory tract explants from marine mammals and rhesus macaques to compare influenza A virus infection kinetics across species.

Complete genome screening of clinical MRSA isolates identifies lineage diversity and provides full resolution of transmission and outbreak events

This study uses long-read sequencing to analyze MRSA genomes, revealing lineage diversity and detailed transmission dynamics in an outbreak.

Discovery Of UFO Proteins: Human-Virus Chimeric Proteins Generated During Influenza Virus Infection

The paper identifies host-virus chimeric proteins, called UFOs, generated during influenza virus infection through the translation of viral 5UTRs using host transcripts.

Avian influenza viruses in wild birds: virus evolution in a multi-host ecosystem

This study tracks avian influenza virus evolution in wild birds across three migratory flyways in Georgia, revealing subtype diversity, reassortment patterns, and genetic relationships with global AIV populations.