Martin Frank

Spike and host glycan determinants of HKU1 airway tropism

This study identifies spike and host glycan determinants of HKU1 airway tropism by showing preferential binding to 9-O-acetylated 2,8-linked disialosides and structural insights into ligand recognition.

NLRP3 acts as a direct sensor of intracellular potassium ions

This study shows that NLRP3 directly senses intracellular potassium ions, with K+ levels regulating its conformation and inflammasome activation.

Probing the Role of Membrane in Neutralizing Activity of Antibodies Against Influenza Virus

This study shows that antibodies against influenza virus neutralize by interacting with the viral membrane, and disrupting these interactions reduces their effectiveness.

GlycoVHH: Introducing N-glycans on the camelid VHH antibody scaffold - Optimal sites and use for macrophage delivery

This study identifies optimal sites for introducing N-glycans on VHH antibodies to enhance macrophage delivery, demonstrating glycan-dependent uptake in vitro and in vivo.

Site-specific O-glycosylation analysis of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein produced in insect and human cells

The paper maps O-glycosylation sites on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein produced in insect and human cells, identifying 25 sites with distinct patterns between ectodomains and RBD.

A novel isoform of ACE2 is expressed in human nasal and bronchial respiratory epithelia and is upregulated in response to RNA respiratory virus infection

The paper identifies a novel short ACE2 isoform expressed in respiratory epithelia that is upregulated by interferon and RNA virus infection but not SARS-CoV-2, and shows reduced SARS-CoV-2 binding affinity.

The fungal ligand chitin directly binds and signals inflammation dependent on oligomer size and TLR2

This study identifies chitin oligomers as the smallest immunologically active motif and TLR2 as the primary receptor for chitin, showing size-dependent signaling and therapeutic potential.