T. P. Peacock

Virion morphology and on-virus spike protein structures of diverse SARS-CoV-2 variants

The paper analyzes SARS-CoV-2 variant virion morphology and spike protein structures using cryo-EM, finding no adaptive changes in virion shape but multiple amino acid changes affecting spike conformational dynamics.

Sensitivity of BA.2.86 to prevailing neutralising antibody responses

This study assesses BA.2.86's sensitivity to neutralising antibodies using monoclonal antibodies and serum samples from Stockholm.

Modelling the viral dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variants in different cell types

This study models SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron replication in nasal and lung cells, finding Omicron has higher infectivity but lower production rate than Delta, leading to higher transmission in nasal cells and higher severity in lung cells.

Propylene glycol inactivates respiratory viruses and prevents airborne transmission

Mutational spectra distinguish SARS-CoV-2 replication niches

The paper analyzes SARS-CoV-2 mutational spectra to infer replication niches, finding reduced G>T mutations in Omicron linked to upper respiratory tract replication.

Omicron sublineage BA.2.75.2 exhibits extensive escape from neutralising antibodies

The paper evaluates neutralisation resistance of Omicron sublineages BA.2.75.2, BA.4.6, and BA.2.10.4, finding BA.2.75.2 shows extensive escape from neutralising antibodies.

Evasion of neutralizing antibodies by Omicron sublineage BA.2.75

This study evaluates the neutralization sensitivity of the SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.75 sublineage to monoclonal antibodies and sera from individuals infected with earlier variants.

Avian Influenza A Virus polymerase can utilise human ANP32 proteins to support cRNA but not vRNA synthesis

The paper shows avian influenza polymerase uses human ANP32 for cRNA synthesis but requires avian ANP32 for vRNA synthesis, highlighting a difference in ANP32's role in viral replication steps.

Distinct antigenic properties of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron lineages BA.4 and BA.5

This study compares the antigenic properties of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5 with BA.1, BA.2, and vaccine-induced antibodies, finding they are antigenically distinct and show enhanced neutralisation breadth after breakthrough infection.

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.

Emergence of new subgenomic mRNAs in SARS-CoV-2

This study identifies new subgenomic mRNAs in SARS-CoV-2 arising from mutations that create novel transcription regulatory sequences, leading to the expression of functional proteins like N.iORF3.

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.

SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta have extended ACE2 receptor host-ranges

The paper examines whether SARS-CoV-2 variants Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta have altered ACE2 receptor usage across different mammalian species, finding that N501Y and E484K substitutions in the Spike RBD expand their host range.

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.

The ChAdOx1 vectored vaccine, AZD2816, induces strong immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2 Beta (B.1.351) and other variants of concern in preclinical studies.

The SARS-CoV-2 variants associated with infections in India, B.1.617, show enhanced spike cleavage by furin

This study shows SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617 variants have enhanced spike cleavage by furin due to the P681R mutation, potentially increasing transmissibility and pathogenicity.

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.

Genetic determinants of receptor-binding preference and zoonotic potential of H9N2 avian influenza viruses

This study identifies genetic mutations in H9N2 influenza viruses that influence their receptor-binding preferences and zoonotic potential by altering their affinity for human-like or avian receptors.

Resistance of endothelial cells to SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro

This study shows that endothelial cells are resistant to SARS-CoV-2 infection due to low ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression, suggesting vascular dysfunction in COVID-19 arises from inflammatory factors rather than direct viral infection.

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.

Mammalian ANP32A and ANP32B proteins drive alternative avian influenza virus polymerase adaptations

This study identifies alternative PB2 adaptations that enable influenza polymerase to use mammalian ANP32 proteins, with PB2-E627K showing a preference for ANP32B.

Swine ANP32A supports avian influenza virus polymerase

This study shows swine ANP32A supports avian influenza polymerase activity, and human-adapted viruses evolved to use human ANP32 proteins more efficiently.

Contribution of segment 3 to the acquisition of virulence in contemporary H9N2 avian influenza viruses

This paper identifies a single amino acid change in the PA protein of H9N2 avian influenza viruses that enhances virulence and replication in poultry.

PA-X is an avian virulence factor in H9N2 avian influenza virus

This study investigates the role of PA-X in H9N2 avian influenza viruses, finding it enhances replication in mammalian cells and contributes to virulence in chickens.

A rare variant in ANP32B impairs influenza virus replication in human cells

This study identifies a rare variant in ANP32B that impairs influenza virus replication by disrupting FluPol dimer formation and function.

Disrupting HIV-1 capsid formation causes cGAS sensing of viral DNA

The paper shows that disrupting HIV-1 capsid formation exposes viral DNA to cGAS, triggering an IFN response in macrophages.

The molecular basis of antigenic variation among A(H9N2) avian influenza viruses

This study identifies molecular mechanisms of immune escape in H9N2 avian influenza viruses through genetic analysis and experimental validation, highlighting the role of glycosylation and receptor-binding avidity.