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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Do Piperonyl Butoxide Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets Provide Additional Protection Against Malaria Infections Compared with Conventional Nets in an Operational Setting in Western Kenya?

Malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa has stagnated despite widespread adoption of control measures such as long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). Progress has stalled, in part, because of pyrethroid insecticide resistance, driving the need for retooling to increase the effectiveness of bed nets. Consequently, LLINs have been treated with the chemical synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO). Piperonyl butoxide LLINs have been shown to be efficacious in controlled settings; however, their effectiveness in real-world settings warrants investigation. In Bungoma County, Western Kenya, a cohort of 768 participants was followed from June 2017 to December 2023 via active and passive surveillance. Household visits were conducted monthly, during which LLIN use for nets distributed in 2017 and 2021 was recorded, and symptomatic malaria cases were identified using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). The comparative effectiveness of PBO versus conventional LLINs was assessed in terms of malaria infections. A multilevel logistic regression model was fit with monthly RDT results as the dependent variable. The study results indicate that PBO LLINs provide greater protection against malaria at the individual level than conventional LLINs (odds ratio: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.47–1.03), although the findings were not statistically significant. The added protection against malaria infections provided by PBO LLINs compared with conventional LLINs observed in the current study aligns with findings from most previous studies, although this finding was not statistically significant. In areas with documented pyrethroid resistance, the use of LLINs with an added synergist, such as PBO, can provide additional protection against malaria infections (compared with pyrethroid-only LLINs) and should be considered for scaled-up scenarios despite the additional cost.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Dysregulation of lung epithelial cell homeostasis and immunity contributes to Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease severity

Coronaviruses (CoV) emerge suddenly from animal reservoirs to cause novel diseases in new hosts. Discovered in 2012, the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is endemic in camels in the Middle East and is continually causing local outbreaks and epidemics. While all three newly emerging human CoVs from the past 20 years (SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS-CoV) cause respiratory disease, each CoV has unique host interactions that drive differential pathogeneses. To better understand the virus and host interactions driving lethal MERS-CoV infection, we performed a longitudinal multi-omics analysis of sublethal and lethal MERS-CoV infection in mice. Significant differences were observed in body weight loss, virus titers, and acute lung injury among lethal and sub-lethal virus doses. Virus-induced apoptosis of type I and II alveolar epithelial cells suggests that loss or dysregulation of these key cell populations was a major driver of severe disease. Omics analysis suggested differential pathogenesis was multi-factorial with clear differences among innate and adaptive immune pathways as well as those that regulate lung epithelial homeostasis. Infection of mice lacking functional T and B cells showed that adaptive immunity was important in controlling viral replication but also increased pathogenesis. In summary, we provide a high-resolution host response atlas for MERS-CoV infection and disease severity. Multi-omics studies of viral pathogenesis offer a unique opportunity to not only better understand the molecular mechanisms of disease but also to identify genes and pathways that can be exploited for therapeutic intervention all of which is important for our future pandemic preparedness.

MERS-CoV↗
DOE OSTI2024

Dual blockade of IL-10 and PD-1 leads to control of SIV viral rebound following analytical treatment interruption

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) persistence during antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated with heightened plasma interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels and PD-1 expression. We hypothesized that IL-10 and PD-1 blockade would lead to control of viral rebound following analytical treatment interruption (ATI). Twenty-eight ART-treated, simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)mac 239 -infected rhesus macaques (RMs) were treated with anti-IL-10, anti-IL-10 plus anti-PD-1 (combo) or vehicle. ART was interrupted 12 weeks after introduction of immunotherapy. Durable control of viral rebound was observed in nine out of ten combo-treated RMs for >24 weeks post-ATI. Induction of inflammatory cytokines, proliferation of effector CD8 + T cells in lymph nodes and reduced expression of BCL-2 in CD4 + T cells pre-ATI predicted control of viral rebound. Twenty-four weeks post-ATI, lower viral load was associated with higher frequencies of memory T cells expressing TCF-1 and of SIV-specific CD4 + and CD8 + T cells in blood and lymph nodes of combo-treated RMs. These results map a path to achieve long-lasting control of HIV and/or SIV following discontinuation of ART.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Bacteria-mediated dsRNA delivery for mosquito-borne virus control

Mosquito-borne viruses represent an increasing global public health threat, exacerbated by urbanisation and climate change, thus making effective mosquito control essential. RNA interference (RNAi), a sequence-specific gene regulation mechanism, can be a flexible vector control tool. RNAi effectors, such as double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), can target mosquito genes or the viruses they carry, disrupting development or suppressing infection. However, current RNAi delivery methods are ineffective. Engineered bacterial symbionts offer a promising alternative for delivery, as they can produce dsRNA directly within mosquitoes. However, bacterial RNAi delivery in mosquitoes remains underexplored. We review emerging genetic tools, insights from RNAi and bacteria–mosquito interactions to outline priorities for realising bacterial RNAi as an efficient and sustainable vector control strategy.

Biological and medical sciences↗
DOE OSTI2025

Opportunities in multiscale modeling of mosquito-borne flaviviruses

Mosquito-borne flaviviruses, such as Zika, dengue, West Nile, and yellow fever virus, represent a growing public health concern due to their widespread distribution and the severe diseases they cause. These viruses are difficult to control as climate change and urbanization help mosquitoes expand into new areas, increasing the risk of outbreaks. Mathematical models play a key role in understanding their spread, providing insights at every level—from how the virus multiplies inside cells to how it circulates through entire populations. This review examines various approaches used in modeling arboviruses, including microscale models that focus on cellular and molecular dynamics, mesoscale models that address within-host processes, and macroscale models that capture population-level transmission. We briefly summarize the methodology used for models at each scale, which primarily consists of sets of differential equations with parameters that represent physical rates of change for different subprocesses. We particularly highlight how temperature affects virus transmission, which is key to understanding the impact of climate change. We also show how multiscale models can connect viral replication, immune response, and the spread of infection at a larger scale. This is essential for developing better vaccines and treatments, evaluating disease control measures, predicting the impact of climate change, and improving public health responses to outbreaks.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Streptococcus pneumoniae HtrA is a dynamic and monomeric virulence factor capable of forming larger oligomeric complexes

Abstract High‐temperature requirement A (HtrA) proteases are a conserved family of serine proteases central to protein quality control and bacterial virulence. While Gram‐negative and human HtrAs are structurally well studied, Gram‐positive homologs remain essentially uncharacterized. Here, we present the first integrated structural and mechanistic analysis of a Gram‐positive HtrA, from Streptococcus pneumoniae , a virulence factor essential for adhesion and infection in vivo. Proteomic profiling of an htrA knockout and cleavage assays demonstrate that S. pneumoniae HtrA is required for protein quality control, with the PDZ domain mediating substrate recognition. Biochemically, S. pneumoniae HtrA exists exclusively as a monomer in solution, a striking divergence from canonical trimeric HtrAs that we show is shared with other Gram‐positive homologs. NMR analyses reveal that the monomer dynamically samples open and closed conformations, while cryo‐EM of a catalytic mutant identifies a hexamer stabilized by a unique LoopA–PDZ interaction. Together, these findings define S. pneumoniae HtrA as a dynamic monomer with interdomain coupling between its protease and PDZ domains, establishing Gram‐positive HtrAs as a mechanistically divergent subgroup within the HtrA family.

Lee, Eunjeong [Department of Biochemistry and Mole↗
DOE OSTI2026

From viruses to protists: temperature response of the neglected components of microbial controls on peatland nutrient cycling

The response of plant-associated microbial communities to rising temperatures likely plays a key role in global Carbon (C) and Nitrogen (N) biogeochemical cycles. Mosses of the genus Sphagnum, in particular, sequester 25% of all terrestrial C as recalcitrant peat. However, their ability to sequester C is mediated by interactions with microbes that fix N and pass it to the moss to grow in otherwise oligotrophic systems. Two important biotic controls on this processes are likely to respond to rising temperatures –predation by protists and infections by viruses– but whether and how this might occur is not well understood. This proposal addressed these questions using a combination of genomics and mathematical modeling with both field data from whole-ecosystem warming experiments, and laboratory-based microcosm experiments. We have discovered 1) mechanistic links between cell traits and thermal performance in protists, which 2) enabled predictions from populations to ecosystems, 3) we have identified eco-phenotypic feedbacks that determine protist–bacterial predator–prey dynamics, 4) have documented concomitant compositional and trait shifts in protist communities with warming in the field, 5) revealed consistent interactive effects of temperature and nutrients on bacterial and protist communities; 6) characterized the Sphagnum virome, and 7) made modeling predictions on its implications for thermal responses of microbial communities in peatlands globally. This award also substantially strengthened U.S. scientific capacity and workforce development.

Gibert, Jean Philippe [Duke University]↗
DOE OSTI2024

Histopathological characteristics of PRRS and expression profiles of viral receptors in the piglet immune system

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a highly contagious viral disease that causes significant economic losses to the swine industry worldwide. PRRS virus (PRRSV) infection is a receptor-mediated endocytosis and replication process. The purpose of this study was to determine the localization and expression of four important PRRSV receptors in immunological organs of piglets. After piglets were infected with PRRSV, Hematoxylin and Eosin staining, immunofluorescence, and Western blot were used to perform histopathological examination and receptors distribution analysis. The results showed that PRRSV caused severe damage to the piglets’ immune organs, including atrophy of the thymus and swelling of lymph node. Histopathological lesions were mainly observed in the lung and lymph node and were characterized by interstitial pneumonia, collapsed follicles, exhaustion of germinal centers, and extensive hemorrhage. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot results showed that the receptors of CD163 and NMHCII-A were mainly distributed in the thymus, hilar lymph nodes, and mesenteric lymph nodes. However, Sn and vimentin receptors were expressed at low levels in the immune organs of piglets. The distribution of the four receptors in the immune organs was more concentrated in the cortex but was more scattered in the medulla. Compared to the control group, the relative expression of the four receptors increased significantly in most immune organs after viral infection. In conclusion, our study examined the distribution and expression of four PRRSV receptors in immunological organs. We observed a significant increase in the expression of Sn, CD163, and vimentin following viral infection. These findings may provide potential targets for future antiviral reagent design or vaccine development.

Chen, Hong↗
DOE OSTI2025

Phylogenomic discovery and engineering of nitrogen fixation into the bioenergy woody crop poplar

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is a key process enabling plants in specific lineages to convert atmospheric dinitrogen (N₂) into bioavailable ammonia through symbioses with diazotrophic microbes. Expanding this capability beyond native nitrogen-fixing clades into non-nodulating crops would reduce synthetic fertilizer use, lowering energy inputs and environmental impacts in agriculture. Supported by DOE Funding Award DE-SC0018247, the NitFix project advanced foundational knowledge required to engineer root-nodule symbioses in new host species. The team generated the most comprehensive phylogenomic analysis to date of all known nodulating lineages, resolving the evolutionary history of nitrogen-fixing symbiosis and identifying core gene suites retained across nodulating taxa. Through multimodal genomics, transcriptomics, and functional analyses in Medicago truncatula and related species, the project mapped regulatory networks underlying nodule organogenesis, bacterial infection, and nitrogen-fixation efficiency. Key discoveries include the identification of conserved signaling modules for rhizobial recognition, transcription factors controlling nodule differentiation, and metabolic pathways integrating fixed nitrogen into plant growth. The project also developed enabling tools—including optimized transformation pipelines, gene-editing workflows, and imaging-based phenotyping—to accelerate engineering efforts in emerging models. Together, these results refine the mechanistic framework of symbiotic nitrogen fixation and highlight transferable components essential for rewiring these traits into non-nodulating crops.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

A Retrospective Analysis Reveals That the 2021 Outbreaks of African Swine Fever Virus in Ghana Were Caused by Two Distinct Genotypes

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is the causative agent of African swine fever (ASF), a highly infectious and lethal disease of domesticated swine. Outbreaks of ASF have been mostly restricted to the continent of Africa. The outbreaks that have occurred outside of Africa were controlled by extensive depopulation of the domesticated pig population. However, in 2007, an outbreak occurred in the country of Georgia, where ASFV infected wild pigs and quickly spread across eastern Europe. Since the reintroduction of ASF into Europe, variants of the current pandemic strain, ASFV Georgia 2007/01 (ASFV-G), which is classified as Genotype 2 based on p72 sequencing, have been reported in countries within western Europe, Asia, and the island of Hispaniola. Additionally, isolates collected in 2020 confirmed the presence of variants of ASFV-G in Nigeria. Recently, we reported similar variants of ASFV-G collected from domestic pigs suspected of dying of ASF in Ghana in 2022. Here, we retroactively report, based on full-length sequencing, that similar variants were present in Ghana in 2021. The SNP analysis revealed derivatives of ASFV with distinct genetic markers. Furthermore, we identified three full-length ASFV genomes as Genotype 1, indicating that there were two genotypes circulating in proximity during the 2021 ASF outbreaks in Ghana.

Virology↗
DOE OSTI2025

Direction of impact for explainable risk assessment modeling

Abstract Several graphical indicators have been recently introduced to help analysts visualize the marginal effects of inputs in complex models. The insights derived from such tools may help decision‐makers and risk analysts in designing interventions. However, we know little about the adequacy and consistency of different indicators. This work investigates popular marginal effect indicators to understand whether they yield indications consistent with the properties of the quantitative model under inspection. Specifically, we examine the notions of monotonicity, Lipschitz, and concavity consistency. Surprisingly, only PD functions satisfy all these notions of consistency. However, when selecting the indicators, in addition to consistency, analysts need to consider the risk of model extrapolation. For situations where such risk is under control, we utilize individual conditional expectations together with PD plots. Two applications, on a NASA space risk assessment model and a susceptible exposed infected recovered (SEIR) model for the COVID‐19 pandemic illustrate the insights obtained from these indicators.

Mathematical Methods In Social Sciences↗
DOE OSTI2024

Tetranuclear Polypyridylruthenium(II) Complexes as Selective Nucleic Acid Stains for Flow Cytometric Analysis of Monocytic and Epithelial Lung Carcinoma Large Extracellular Vesicles

Selective staining of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is a major challenge for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Herein, the EV labeling properties of a new class of tetranuclear polypyridylruthenium(II) complexes, Rubb7-TNL and Rubb7-TL, as phosphorescent stains are described. These new stains have many advantages over standard stains to detect and characterize EVs, including: high specificity for EV staining versus cell staining; high phosphorescence yields; photostability; and a lack of leaching from EVs until incorporation with target cells. As an example of their utility, large EVs released from control (basal) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated THP-1 monocytic leukemia cells were studied as a model of immune system EVs released during bacterial infection. Key findings from EV staining combined with flow cytometry were as follows: (i) LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells generated significantly larger and more numerous large EVs, as compared with those from unstimulated cells; (ii) EVs retained native EV physical properties after staining; and (iii) the new stains selectively differentiated intact large EVs from artificial liposomes, which are models of cell membrane fragments or other lipid-containing debris, as well as distinguished two distinct subpopulations of monocytic EVs within the same experiment, as a result of biochemical differences between unstimulated and LPS-stimulated monocytes. Comparatively, the staining patterns of A549 epithelial lung carcinoma-derived EVs closely resembled those of THP-1 cell line-derived EVs, which highlighted similarities in their selective staining despite their distinct cellular origins. This is consistent with the hypothesis that these new phosphorescent stains target RNA within the EVs.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Genomic-based biosurveillance for avian influenza: whole genome sequencing from wild mallards sampled during autumn migration in 2022–2023 reveals a high co-infection rate on migration stopover site in Georgia

The Caucasus region, including Georgia, is an important intersection for migratory waterbirds, offering potential for avian influenza virus (AIV) transmission between populations from different geographic areas. In 2022 and 2023, wild ducks were sampled during autumn migration events in Georgia to study the genetic relationships and molecular characteristics of influenza strains. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were used to compare the sampled strains to reference sequences from Africa, Asia, and Europe, allowing assessment of genetic relationships and virus transmission between migratory birds. Protein language modeling identified potential co-infections. Of 225 duck samples, 128 tested positive for the influenza M gene. 55 influenza-positive samples underwent whole-genome sequencing, revealing significant diversity. Analysis of the hemagglutinin (HA) segment showed notable differences among subtypes. Most samples were H6N1 and H6N6, but co-infections with combinations like H6H3, N8N1, N6H9, N2N6, and H9H6/N1N2 were also identified. These findings demonstrate the high variability of influenza viruses in migratory waterbirds in Georgia, including a notable rate of co-infections. Some samples exhibited uncommon genetic characteristics compared to other strains from the same year, suggesting Georgia’s role as a mixing vessel for influenza viruses. This facilitates reassortment during co-infections and contributes to the genetic diversity observed across flyways.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Assessment of the Reversion to Virulence and Protective Efficacy in Pigs Receiving the Live Attenuated Classical Swine Fever Recombinant Vaccine Candidate FlagT4G

Background/Objectives: Control of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) in endemic countries relies on vaccination using live attenuated vaccines (LAVs). Most of these LAVs do not allow for the differentiation of vaccinated animals from infected animals (DIVA) based on their serological response. FlagT4G vaccine is a novel candidate that confers robust protective immunity early after vaccination and shows DIVA capabilities. Methods: This report presents the characterization of FlagT4G virus in terms of the stability of its genomic and attenuated phenotypes assessed by a reversion to virulence protocol, as well as its protective efficacy by determining the minimal protective dose. Results: Results presented here demonstrate that after five consecutive passages in groups of 5-week-old susceptible domestic pigs, FlagT4G virus remains genetically stable, and its attenuated phenotype remains unaltered. In terms of efficacy, FlagT4G virus induced solid protection against the intranasal challenge with 105 tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) of virulent field isolate Brescia virus, even with a vaccine dose as low as 102 TCID50. Conclusions: Results presented here indicate that the FlagT4G vaccine may be a useful tool for CSFV control.

Immunology↗
DOE OSTI2024

Viruses of Nitrogen-Fixing Mesorhizobium Bacteria in Globally Distributed Chickpea Root Nodules

Legume nodules are specialized environments on plant roots that are induced and dominated by nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Bacteriophages (phages) in these nodules could potentially provide top-down controls on the population size and, therefore, the function of nitrogen-fixing symbionts. Here we sought to characterize the diversity and biogeographical patterns of phages that infect nitrogen-fixing Mesorhizobium symbionts isolated from root nodules, leveraging 266 genomes of Mesorhizobium isolated from nodules and 648 nodule metagenomes collected from three species of chickpea plants ( Cicer spp.) under different agricultural management practices, spanning eight countries on five continents. We identified 106 phage populations (viral operational taxonomic units [vOTUs]) in Mesorhizobium draft genomes, 37% of which were confirmed as likely prophages. These vOTUs were detected in 64% of the Mesorhizobium-dominated nodule metagenomes and 58% of the Mesorhizobium isolates. Per metagenome, 1 to 16 putative Mesorhizobium vOTUs were detected, with more than half of the nodules containing only one such vOTU. The majority of vOTUs were detected exclusively in Ethiopia, followed by India and Morocco, with the lowest richness of putative Mesorhizobium phages in countries that applied industrial Mesorhizobium inoculants to crops. Two vOTUs were identified in five or more countries and in nodules dominated by different strains of Mesorhizobium, suggesting infection of diverse Mesorhizobium hosts and long-term interactions. Beta-diversity of these Mesorhizobium phage assemblages was significantly correlated with the dominant Mesorhizobium strain, but not with measured environmental parameters. Our findings indicate that nitrogen-fixing nodules in chickpea plants can contain distinct viral assemblages, with potential impacts on the nodule microbiome that bear further exploration.

Microbiology↗
DOE OSTI2025

Physiological roles of an Acinetobacter -specific σ factor

ABSTRACT The Gram-negative pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii is considered an “urgent threat” to human health due to its propensity to become antibiotic resistant. Understanding the distinct regulatory paradigms used by A. baumannii to mitigate cellular stresses may uncover new therapeutic targets. Many γ-proteobacteria use the extracytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factor, RpoE, to invoke envelope homeostasis networks in response to stress. Acinetobacter species contain the poorly characterized ECF “SigAb”; however, it is unclear if SigAb has the same physiological role as RpoE. Here, we show that SigAb is a metal stress-responsive ECF that appears unique to Acinetobacter species and distinct from RpoE-like ECFs. We combine promoter mutagenesis, motif scanning, and chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq) to define the direct SigAb regulon, which consists of genes encoding SigAb itself, the stringent response mediator, RelA, and the uncharacterized small RNA, “SabS.” However, RNA-seq of strains overexpressing SigAb revealed a large, indirect regulon containing hundreds of genes. Metal resistance genes are key elements of the indirect regulon, as CRISPRi knockdown of sigAb or sabS resulted in increased copper sensitivity and excess copper-induced SigAb-dependent transcription. Furthermore, we found that two uncharacterized genes in the sigAb operon, “ aabA ” and “ aabB ,” have anti-SigAb activity. Finally, employing a targeted Tn-seq approach that uses CRISPR-associated transposons, we show that sigAb , aabA , and aabB are important for fitness even during optimal growth conditions. Our work reveals new physiological roles for SigAb and SabS, provides a novel approach for assessing gene fitness, and highlights the distinct regulatory architecture of A. baumannii . IMPORTANCE Acinetobacter baumannii is a hospital-acquired pathogen, and many strains are resistant to multiple antibiotics. Understanding how A. baumannii senses and responds to stress may uncover novel routes to treat infections. Here, we examine how the Acinetobacter -specific transcription factor, SigAb, mitigates stress. We find that SigAb directly regulates only a small number of genes, but indirectly controls hundreds of genes that have substantial impacts on cell physiology. We show that SigAb is required for maximal growth, even during optimal conditions, and is acutely required during growth in the presence of elevated copper. Given that copper toxicity plays roles in pathogenesis and on copper-containing surfaces in hospitals, we speculate that SigAb function may be important in clinically relevant contexts.

Bacon, Emily E. (ORCID:0000000180907689)↗
DOE OSTI2026

Soil viral production count, respiration, and amplicon data

This study aimed to quantify rates of viral production in aridisol soil under conditions as close to natural field soil as possible given the perturbations necessary to manipulate viral abundances. Viruses were removed from soil, then added back to virus-depleted soil to control the initial viral abundances at either 100% (field_abund) or 10% (reduced_abund) of measured field viral abundance to generate treatments with field-relevant and reduced viral infection pressure, respectively. Replicates of batch incubation jars were harvested every 8 hours for 48 hours to enumerate bacteria and viruses by microscopy (n=5) and profile bacterial community composition by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing (n=3).

Zimmerman, Amy [Pacific Northwest National Laborat↗
DOE OSTI2024

In Vitro Evolution and Computational Approaches to Predict, Prevent and Control Future Pandemics

The natural tendency of virus to mutate and the under-sampling of the environment makes it difficult to become aware of the emergence of new viral strains with pandemic potential. Being able to predict what mutations make a virus more infective might allow to spot such strains with minimal sampling and potentially allow to predict/prevent the next pandemic. The team attempted to mimic natural viral mutations and recombination through computational and experimental methods producing a variety of mutants of a SARS-COV-2 protein (receptor binding domain, RBD, of spike protein) responsible for viral entry in mammalian cells. The library of mutants was then interrogated for ability and lack-there-of to interact with the host cell receptor ushering viral entry, Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The negative and positive data set is intended to “teach the rules” of virus-host receptor interaction. Additionally, the positive clones were used to screen a set of antibody mutants designed to widen the breadth of viral mutants recognition, to demonstrate that this kind of libraries could also be a tool to produce antibody therapeutics impervious to viral mutation, even before a pandemic strain is discovered.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗