Kenneth S. Plante

Molecular basis for chikungunya virus recognition of a mosquito-specific receptor

This study identifies the molecular basis of chikungunya virus recognition of the mosquito-specific receptor Lachesin using cryo-EM structures and shows a Lachesin polymorphism that blocks virus entry.

Lachesin is a mosquito receptor for multiple arthritogenic alphaviruses

This study identifies Lachesin as a mosquito receptor for multiple arthritogenic alphaviruses using CRISPR screening in Aedes albopictus cells.

Antagonism of stress granules key for SARS-CoV-2 infection and pathogenesis.

This study shows that disrupting both NSP3 and nucleocapsid SG antagonism reduces SARS-CoV-2 replication and disease, suggesting stress granule activation as a therapeutic target.

Key residues in SARS-CoV-2 NSP3 hyper variable region are necessary to modulate early stress granule activity.

This study identifies key residues in SARS-CoV-2 NSP3 that are critical for FXR1 binding and stress granule disruption, showing their role in viral replication and pathogenesis.

The furin cleavage site is required for pathogenesis, but not transmission of SARS-CoV-2

This study shows that the furin cleavage site (FCS) is essential for SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis but not for transmission, as a mutant lacking FCS was transmissible in hamsters but caused less severe disease.

mRNA-delivered neutralizing antibodies confer protection against SARS-CoV-2 variant in the lower and upper respiratory tract

This study develops mRNA-LNPs encoding neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, showing protection against the Omicron variant in mouse and hamster models.

Molecular basis for shifted receptor recognition by an encephalitic arbovirus

The paper identifies receptor-binding polymorphisms in WEEV that explain shifts in receptor dependencies and enable nonpathogenic strains to infect neurons.

A Modular Bacteriophage T4 Nanoparticle Platform Enables Rapid Design of Dual COVID-19-Flu Mucosal Vaccines

This paper describes a bacteriophage T4-based nanoparticle platform for designing dual COVID-19-Flu mucosal vaccines, showing robust immune responses and protection in mice.

A safe insect-based Chikungunya fever vaccine affords rapid and durable protection in cynomolgus macaques

This study evaluates an insect-based chimeric virus vaccine against Chikungunya fever, showing rapid and durable protection in macaques.

Yellow Fever Emergence: Role of Heterologous Flavivirus Immunity in Preventing Urban Transmission

The paper shows that prior immunity to dengue and Zika viruses reduces yellow fever viremia, limiting mosquito infection and urban transmission risk.

Forward genetic screen of homeostatic antibody levels in the Collaborative Cross identifies MBD1 as a novel regulator of B cell homeostasis

The paper identifies MBD1 as a regulator of homeostatic IgG1 levels and marginal zone B cell differentiation through a genetic screen in Collaborative Cross mice.

Tiled-ClickSeq for targeted sequencing of complete coronavirus genomes with simultaneous capture of RNA recombination and minority variants

Tiled-ClickSeq enables complete SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing with detection of RNA recombination and minority variants in a single assay.

Genetic regulation of homeostatic immune architecture in the lungs of Collaborative Cross mice

The paper identifies genetic factors influencing immune cell populations in lung tissue and their predictive value for influenza outcomes in Collaborative Cross mice.

Diallel analysis reveals Mx1-dependent and Mx1-independent effects on response to influenza A virus in mice

The paper uses a diallel analysis in mice to study how host genetics affect response to influenza A virus, identifying Mx1-dependent and independent heritable effects on weight loss.