X. Saelens

The antigenic landscape of human influenza N2 neuraminidases from 2009 until 2017

This study analyzes the antigenic diversity of N2 neuraminidases from 2009-2017 H3N2 influenza viruses and develops a machine learning method to predict the impact of mutations on NA inhibition.

Mosaic display of stable hemagglutinin monomers induces broad immune responses

This study develops a nanoparticle vaccine displaying conserved influenza HA epitopes, inducing broad neutralizing antibodies against multiple viral subtypes.

Yeast-based production platform for potent and stable heavy chain-only antibodies

This paper presents a yeast-based platform for producing stable and potent heavy chain-only antibodies, demonstrating its effectiveness with an anti-SARS-CoV-2 example.

MX2 restricts HIV-1 and herpes simplex virus type 1 by forming cytoplasmic biomolecular condensates that mimic nuclear pore complexes

This study shows MX2 forms cytoplasmic condensates that mimic nuclear pore complexes to restrict HIV-1 and HSV-1 by trapping viral capsids and preventing nuclear entry.

Ultrapotent SARS coronavirus-neutralizing single-domain antibodies that bind a conserved membrane proximal epitope of the spike

The paper identifies ultrapotent SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing nanobodies that bind a conserved epitope on the spike protein, showing therapeutic efficacy in hamsters.

Cleavage of cFLIP restrains cell death during viral infection and tissue injury and favors tissue repair

This study shows that cleavage of cFLIP by Caspase-8 limits cell death during viral infection and tissue injury, promoting tissue repair.

Ring Finger Protein 213 Assembles into a Sensor for ISGylated Proteins with Antimicrobial Activity

This study identifies RNF213 as an ISG15-interacting sensor that detects ISGylated proteins and exhibits broad antimicrobial activity against multiple pathogens.

STAT2 signaling as double-edged sword restricting viral dissemination but driving severe pneumonia in SARS-CoV-2 infected hamsters

This study shows that STAT2 signaling both restricts SARS-CoV-2 spread and causes severe pneumonia in infected hamsters.

Structural Basis for Potent Neutralization of Betacoronaviruses by Single-domain Camelid Antibodies

This study isolates and characterizes VHH antibodies that neutralize MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-1, and SARS-CoV-2 by blocking receptor binding, with structural insights into their epitopes and cross-reactivity.