K. Maenaka

Thermostability and binding properties of single-chained Fv fragments derived from therapeutic antibodies

This study evaluates the thermostability and binding properties of scFv fragments from FDA-approved antibodies, showing that stable scFvs maintain antigen binding.

Virological characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron EG.5.1 variant

The paper investigates the virological features of the SARS-CoV-2 EG.5.1 variant, finding its fitness and antiviral sensitivity comparable to XBB.1.5, with structural differences in spike proteins.

Regulatory Mimicry of Cyclin-Dependent Kinases by Conserved Herpesvirus Protein Kinases

This study identifies herpesvirus protein kinases that mimic CDK regulation, showing their role in viral replication and pathogenicity.

The human immune checkpoint molecule, HLA-G2, induces tolerance in monocytes and dendritic cells via upregulation of PD-L1

This paper shows HLA-G2 induces tolerance in human monocytes and dendritic cells by upregulating PD-L1 through LILRB2 binding, suggesting it as a target for immune checkpoint therapy.

Native spike flexibility revealed by BSL3 Cryo-ET of active SARS-CoV-2 virions

This study uses cryo-ET to analyze native, active SARS-CoV-2 virions, revealing a transient open-trimer prefusion state and hidden spike flexibility with implications for vaccine design.

Virological characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 XBB.1.5 variant

The paper analyzes the virological characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 XBB.1.5 variant, showing reduced pathogenicity and impaired MHC expression due to mutations in ORF8 and S.

2-Thiouridine is a broad-spectrum antiviral nucleoside analogue against positive-strand RNA viruses

This study identifies 2-thiouridine as a broad-spectrum antiviral against SARS-CoV-2 and other positive-strand RNA viruses by inhibiting viral RNA synthesis.

SARS-CoV-2 variants with mutations at the S1/S2 cleavage site are generated in vitro during propagation in TMPRSS2-deficient cells

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 variants with mutations at the S1/S2 cleavage site emerge in TMPRSS2-deficient cells, leading to reduced cell tropism and plaque size.

Multidrug treatment with nelfinavir and cepharanthine against COVID-19

This study identifies a new multidrug combination treatment for COVID-19 using nelfinavir and cepharanthine, showing synergistic antiviral effects and improved disease control.

Structure of HIV-2 Nef reveals unique features distinct from HIV-1 involved in immune regulation

This study reports the crystal structure of HIV-2 Nef, revealing unique features compared to HIV-1 that may contribute to immune regulation and viral pathogenesis.