T. T. Wang

Characterization of spike processing and entry mechanisms of seasonal human coronaviruses NL63, 229E and HKU1

This study investigates the entry mechanisms of seasonal human coronaviruses NL63, 229E, and HKU1 using pseudoviruses and cell lines expressing ACE2, APN, or TMPRSS2, revealing endocytosis as the entry route and specific protease and receptor requirements.

Antigenic cartography using hamster sera identifies SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 evasion seen in human XBB.1.5 booster sera

The paper uses hamster sera to map antigenic differences among SARS-CoV-2 variants, showing JN.1 has significant antigenic divergence from XBB.1.5.

Differential Patterns of Cross-Protection against Antigenically Distinct Variants in Small Animal Models of SARS-CoV-2 Infection

This study shows that immunity from previous infection or vaccination does not always prevent brain infection by antigenically distinct SARS-CoV-2 variants in animal models.

Durable protection against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron induced by an adjuvanted subunit vaccine

This study shows that an adjuvanted subunit vaccine provides durable protection against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron in non-human primates, with strong neutralizing antibodies and memory T/B cells after booster doses.

Spike Protein-independent Attenuation of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant in Laboratory Mice

This study shows that the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 causes milder disease and lower viral load in mice, likely due to mutations outside the spike protein that block post-entry processes.

Identification of Salivary Gland Escape Barriers to Western Equine Encephalitis Virus in the Natural Vector, Culex tarsalis

The paper identifies a salivary gland escape barrier in Culex tarsalis mosquitoes infected with Western equine encephalitis virus, showing that mosquito-derived strains transmit more efficiently than human-derived strains.

Stable Cell Clones Harboring Self-Replicating SARS-CoV-2 RNAs for Drug Screen

This paper develops a stable cell clone system harboring self-replicating SARS-CoV-2 RNAs for drug screening, identifying three novel antiviral compounds.

Structurally and functionally distinct early antibody responses predict COVID-19 disease trajectory and mRNA vaccine response

The paper identifies early antibody responses that predict COVID-19 severity and vaccine response, showing functional differences in inflammation regulation.

FcRn, but not FcgRs, drives maternal-fetal transplacental transport of human IgGantibodies

This study shows that FcRn, not FcγRs, is responsible for maternal-fetal transport of IgG antibodies, suggesting FcRn engineering could improve antibody transfer to the fetus.

Afucosylated maternal anti-dengue IgGs are a biomarker for susceptibility to dengue disease in their infants

The paper identifies afucosylation of maternal anti-dengue IgGs as a biomarker for infant susceptibility to symptomatic dengue infections and explains its mechanism involving Fc{gamma}RIIIa-mediated enhancement of viral replication.