R. Kugathasan

Omicron breakthrough infections in vaccinated or previously infected hamsters

This study shows Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants do not provide cross-protective immunity against reinfection in hamsters.

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.

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.

Increased transmission of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 (VOC 2020212/01) is not accounted for by a replicative advantage in primary airway cells or antibody escape

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 does not replicate better in airway cells or escape antibodies, suggesting its increased transmissibility is due to other factors.

The furin cleavage site of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is a key determinant for transmission due to enhanced replication in airway cells.

This study shows the furin cleavage site in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein enhances replication in airway cells, contributing to transmission efficiency.

The Consequences of Egg Adaptation in the H3N2 Component to the Immunogenicity of Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine

This study examines how egg adaptation of the H3N2 influenza vaccine strain affects antibody responses in children, finding higher seroconversion rates to the adapted strain but differential mucosal IgA responses based on prior serostatus.