W. Mothes

Combinatorial Regimens Augment Drug Monotherapy for SARS-CoV-2 Clearance in Mice

This study evaluates DAAs and their combinations for SARS-CoV-2 clearance in mice, finding that dual-targeting regimens outperform monotherapies.

Asymmetric HIV-1 envelope trimers bound to one and two CD4 molecules are intermediates during membrane binding

The paper uses cryo-ET to study HIV-1 Env-CD4 interactions on membranes, revealing asymmetric trimers bound to one or two CD4 molecules as intermediates in virus binding.

Molecular basis for antiviral activity of pediatric neutralizing antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2 Spike receptor binding domain

This study identifies two potent neutralizing antibodies, EH3 and EH8, from a pediatric patient that cross-neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants and provide in vivo protection against the Delta VOC.

CryoEM Structures of the Human HIV-1 Restriction Factor SERINC3 and Function as a Lipid Transporter

The paper shows SERINC3 has a structure similar to lipid transporters and demonstrates its lipid flipping activity, which correlates with reduced HIV-1 infectivity.

The Fc-effector function of COVID-19 convalescent plasma contributes to SARS-CoV-2 treatment efficacy in mice

This study shows that CCPs with high Fc-effector activity, rather than just neutralizing ability, are more effective in treating SARS-CoV-2 in mice.

VE607 Stabilizes SARS-CoV-2 Spike In the "RBD-up" Conformation and Inhibits Viral Entry

VE607 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection by stabilizing the RBD in the 'up' conformation and blocking S-ACE2 interaction across multiple variants.

Engineered ACE2-Fc counters murine lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection through direct neutralization and Fc-effector activities

The paper develops ACE2-Fc molecules that neutralize SARS-CoV-2 and show Fc-effector activity, effectively treating lethal infection in mice.

SARS-CoV-2 variants exhibit increased kinetic stability of open spike conformations as an evolutionary strategy

This study uses smFRET to show SARS-CoV-2 variants have more open Spike conformations and slower transitions, increasing their stability and transmission efficiency.

An anti-SARS-CoV-2 non-neutralizing antibody with Fc-effector function defines a new NTD epitope and delays neuroinvasion and death in K18-hACE2 mice

Structural Basis and Mode of Action for Two Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2 Emerging Variants of Concern

This study characterizes two SARS-CoV-2 antibodies effective against variants, showing their structural basis and mechanisms of neutralization.

Impact of temperature on the affinity of SARS-CoV-2 Spike for ACE2

This study investigates how temperature affects SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein affinity for ACE2, finding increased binding at low temperatures, which is mitigated by the N501Y mutation.

Live imaging of SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice reveals neutralizing antibodies require Fc function for optimal efficacy

This study uses live imaging to show that neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 need both Fab and Fc functions to effectively prevent and resolve infection in mice.

A single BNT162b2 mRNA dose elicits antibodies with Fc-mediated effector functions and boost pre-existing humoral and T cell responses

This study shows a single dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine elicits strong antibody and T cell responses, including Fc-mediated effector functions, and boosts pre-existing immunity in previously infected individuals.

In vivo imaging of retrovirus infection reveals a role for Siglec-1/CD169 in multiple routes of transmission

This study uses in vivo imaging to show that Siglec-1/CD169 on sentinel macrophages facilitates retrovirus transmission through multiple routes.

Real-time conformational dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 spikes on virus particles

This study uses smFRET to observe real-time conformational dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 spikes on virus particles, revealing multiple states and mechanisms of neutralization by antibodies and convalescent plasma.

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.

Longitudinal bioluminescent imaging of HIV-1 infection during antiretroviral therapy and treatment interruption in humanized mice

This study uses bioluminescent imaging to monitor HIV-1 infection dynamics in humanized mice during and after antiretroviral therapy, showing rebound in previously infected lymphoid tissues.

SV40 polyomavirus activates the Ras-MAPK signaling pathway for vacuolization, cell death, and virus release

This study identifies a Ras-MAPK signaling pathway activated by SV40 during late infection that drives vacuolization, cell lysis, and virus release.