T. Wakita

Overcoming antibody-resistant SARS-CoV-2 variants with bispecific antibodies constructed using non-neutralizing antibodies

This study develops bispecific antibodies that restore effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 variants resistant to existing antibodies by combining non-neutralizing antibodies targeting different epitopes.

Prediction of elimination of intrahepatic cccDNA in hepatitis B virus-infected patients by a combination of noninvasive viral markers

This study develops a noninvasive method using viral markers to predict cccDNA levels in HBV patients, validated against liver biopsy data.

The kinesin KIF4 mediates HBV/HDV entry through regulation of surface NTCP localization and can be targeted by RXR agonists in vitro.

This paper identifies KIF4 as a critical regulator of NTCP surface localization for HBV/HDV entry and shows RXR agonists can suppress KIF4 to inhibit viral infection.

Identification of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) oxysterol derivatives in vitro

This study identifies oxysterol derivatives with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, showing that Oxy210 and Oxy232 inhibit viral replication by disrupting double membrane vesicles.

Interferon signaling suppresses the unfolded protein response and induces cell death in hepatocyte accumulating hepatitis B surface antigen

Anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) potency of Mefloquine as an entry inhibitor in vitro

This study identifies Mefloquine as a potent in vitro entry inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 with higher antiviral activity than Hydroxychloroquine.

MafF is an antiviral host factor that suppresses transcription from Hepatitis B Virus core promoter

This study identifies MafF as an antiviral host factor that suppresses HBV core promoter transcription, contributing to host defense against HBV infection.

Multidrug treatment with nelfinavir and cepharanthine against COVID-19

This study identifies a new multidrug combination treatment for COVID-19 using nelfinavir and cepharanthine, showing synergistic antiviral effects and improved disease control.

Two strategies underlying the trade-off of hepatitis C virus proliferation: stay-at-home or leaving-home?

This study analyzes the trade-off between two HCV proliferation strategies, finding that Jc1-n favors transmission while JFH-1 favors intracellular replication.

A Single Adaptive Mutation in Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide Induced by Hepadnaviruses Determines Virus Species-specificity

The paper shows a single mutation in the NTCP receptor determines HBV infection specificity by showing how virus-induced positive selection at aa 158 alters host susceptibility.