S. M. Alam

Engineering immunogens that select for specific mutations in HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies

This study uses molecular dynamics simulations to design HIV-1 immunogens that select for specific mutations in broadly neutralizing antibodies.

Class-specific sensing of HIV-1 antigens by the B cell antigen receptor depends on the CH1 domain

This study shows that IgM and IgG1 BCRs differ in antigen sensing based on valency, with IgM preferring monovalent and IgG1 preferring polyvalent antigens, and identifies the CH1 domain as responsible for this difference.

Germline-targeting SOSIP trimer immunization elicits precursor CD4 binding-site targeting broadly neutralizing antibodies in infant macaques.

This study shows that a multi-dose immunization with germline-targeting SOSIP vaccines induces precursor broadly neutralizing antibodies in infant macaques, similar to adult responses.

Non-neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 N-terminal domain antibodies protect mice against severe disease using Fc-mediated effector functions

This study shows non-neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies protect mice from severe disease via Fc-mediated effector functions, reducing viral load and lung damage.

Vaccine induction of CD4-mimicking broadly neutralizing antibody precursors in macaques

This study shows that vaccinating macaques with a CD4bs-targeting immunogen elicits neutralizing bnAb precursors with structural features of CD4-mimicking antibodies.

A germline-targeting chimpanzee SIV envelope glycoprotein elicits a new class of V2-apex directed cross-neutralizing antibodies

This study identifies a new class of V2-directed cross-neutralizing antibodies targeting a cryptic epitope in occluded-open HIV and SIV Env trimers.

Structural basis for breadth development in a HIV-1 neutralizing antibody

This paper determines structures of HIV-1 antibodies at different stages of maturation to understand how neutralization breadth develops through affinity optimization.

Humanized antibody potently neutralizes all SARS-CoV-2 variants by a novel mechanism

The paper describes a humanized antibody, SP1-77, that neutralizes all SARS-CoV-2 variants by blocking membrane fusion instead of ACE2 receptor binding.

B cells discriminate HIV-1 Envelope protein affinities by sensing antigen binding association rates

This study investigates how B cells distinguish HIV-1 Env proteins based on binding kinetics rather than equilibrium dissociation constants.

Zika virus-specific IgM elicited during pregnancy exhibits ultrapotent neutralization

This study identifies a potent ZIKV-neutralizing IgM antibody from a pregnant woman and shows its protective efficacy in mice.

Vaccine-induced, high magnitude HIV Env-specific antibodies with Fc-mediated effector functions are insufficient to protect infant rhesus macaques against oral SHIV infection

This study tests a vaccine regimen in infant rhesus macaques, finding that Env-specific antibodies with Fc effector functions do not prevent oral SHIV infection.

Different adjuvanted pediatric HIV envelope vaccines induced distinct plasma antibody responses despite similar B cell receptor repertoires in infant rhesus macaques.

Ability of nucleoside-modified mRNA to encode HIV-1 envelope trimer nanoparticles

This study shows that nucleoside-modified mRNA can encode HIV-1 Env trimer nanoparticles that induce bnAb precursor B cell expansion and neutralizing activity in mice.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination induces neutralizing antibodies against pandemic and pre-emergent SARS-related coronaviruses in monkeys

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 vaccines induce neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2, and batCoVs in monkeys.

The functions of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing and infection-enhancing antibodies in vitro and in mice and nonhuman primates

This study examines SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing and infection-enhancing antibodies, showing in vitro enhancement does not always lead to in vivo disease enhancement, but can cause increased lung inflammation in monkeys.

Mouse and Human Antibodies that Bind HLA-E-Leader Peptide Complexes and Enhance NK Cell Cytotoxicity

The paper isolates antibodies that bind HLA-E-Leader peptide complexes and enhance NK cell cytotoxicity in both mice and humans.

Disruption of the HIV-1 Envelope allosteric network blocks CD4-induced rearrangements

This study identifies a critical role for W571 in HIV-1 Env allostery by showing mutations disrupting CD4-induced rearrangements and rendering Env insensitive to CD4 binding.

Boosting with ALVAC-HIV and AIDSVAX B/E enhances Env constant region 1 and 2 antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity

The paper shows that boosting RV144 vaccine recipients with ALVAC-HIV and AIDSVAX B/E increases C1C2-specific antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity breadth and potency.

Functional Improbable Antibody Mutations Critical for HIV Broadly Neutralizing Antibody Development

The paper identifies improbable mutations critical for HIV broadly neutralizing antibody development and proposes a mutation-guided vaccine strategy.