S. Yamayoshi

Characterization of an EG.5.1 clinical isolate in vitro and in vivo

This study characterizes the in vitro and in vivo properties of the EG.5.1 SARS-CoV-2 variant, showing increased transmissibility and altered antigenicity compared to XBB.1.5.

Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.75 clinical isolates

This study evaluates the replicative ability and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.75 isolates in Syrian hamsters, finding higher lung replication and focal pneumonia compared to BA.2 and BA.5.

Fc-modified SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies with therapeutic effects in two animal models.

The paper develops Fc-modified SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies effective against variants, showing reduced viral titers and lung damage in animal models.

Avian H7N9 influenza viruses are evolutionarily constrained by stochastic processes during replication and transmission in mammals

This study shows that H7N9 avian influenza viruses face strong evolutionary constraints during mammalian transmission, making human adaptation unlikely without rare, stochastic events.

SARS-CoV-2 spike P681R mutation, a hallmark of the Delta variant, enhances viral fusogenicity and pathogenicity

This study shows the P681R mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein enhances fusogenicity and pathogenicity in the Delta variant compared to the prototypic virus.

Optimization of an LNP-mRNA vaccine candidate targeting SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain

This study optimizes an LNP-mRNA vaccine targeting SARS-CoV-2 RBD by removing reactogenic materials, improving immunogenicity and protection in macaques.