Jarel Elgin Tolentino

Genetic diversity of pangolin coronaviruses reveals a key immuno-evasive substitution at spike residue 519

The paper analyzes pangolin coronaviruses to identify a key immuno-evasive mutation at spike residue 519, similar to SARS-CoV-2, suggesting independent spillover events from bat reservoirs.

A non-spike nucleocapsid R204P mutation in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XEC enhances inflammation and pathogenicity

This study identifies the non-spike R204P mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XEC variant as a driver of increased inflammation and pathogenicity through NF-κB activation.

Genetic diversity in horseshoe bat ACE2 and sarbecovirus spike proteins mutually shape one another

This study identifies ACE2 diversity in horseshoe bats and shows bidirectional evolutionary shaping between ACE2 and sarbecovirus spike proteins.

Structural and phenotypic plasticity of the RBD loop2 region is a key determinant for HKU5r-CoVs' emergence in mink

This study identifies structural and phenotypic changes in the RBD loop2 region of HKU5r-CoVs as key factors enabling their emergence in mink and potential zoonotic transmission.

Molecular basis of sarbecovirus evolution and receptor tropism in natural hosts, potential intermediate hosts, and humans

This study investigates the ACE2 tropism of sarbecoviruses across 17 mammals using pseudovirus assays, structural analysis, and phylogenetics to identify genetic factors influencing host range.

Virological characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 KP.3, LB.1 and KP.2.3 variants

This study evaluates the virological properties of SARS-CoV-2 variants KP.3, LB.1, and KP.2.3, finding higher reproduction numbers and immune evasion compared to JN.1.