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| Molecular specificity which underlies receptor-mediated cross-species transmission of a pathogenic henipavirus. |
Thomas Bowden
Associate Professor
Emerging zoonotic viruses cross the species barrier from animals to humans or vice-versa. Their ability to propagate in human cells is dependent on a variety of factors, most importantly, the ability to target particular cell types by binding to receptor molecules displayed on the surface of the host cell. Our group is interested in applying techniques in structural biology, immunology, and cell biology, to delineate the role of viral glycoproteins during infection and antibody-mediated neutralization. We are particularly interested in studying tropical and exotic RNA viruses for which there are limited vaccines or treatments and which are often underrepresented in terms of academic and pharmaceutical interest.
Our biophysical studies have revealed common strategies by which viruses have evolved to interact with natural hosts and also support molecular-level rationales for how viruses can be transmitted to unrelated organisms and thus pose severe health risks. Ultimately, the structural information revealed from this work is being aimed towards the development of therapeutic antibodies and antiviral reagents which can inhibit viral entry processes.
Key publications
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A Protective Monoclonal Antibody Targets a Site of Vulnerability on the Surface of Rift Valley Fever Virus
Journal article
Allen ER. et al, (2018), Cell Reports, 25, 3750 - 3758.e4
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Convergent immunological solutions to Argentine hemorrhagic fever virus neutralization.
Journal article
Zeltina A. et al, (2017), Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 114, 7031 - 7036
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Structure of a phleboviral envelope glycoprotein reveals a consolidated model of membrane fusion.
Journal article
Halldorsson S. et al, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 113, 7154 - 7159
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Structure of the Lassa virus glycan shield provides a model for immunological resistance.
Journal article
Watanabe Y. et al, (2018), Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
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Idiosyncratic Mòjiāng virus attachment glycoprotein directs a host-cell entry pathway distinct from genetically related henipaviruses.
Journal article
Rissanen I. et al, (2017), Nat Commun, 8
Recent publications
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Parallel evolution in the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza A viruses
Journal article
Escalera-Zamudio M. et al, (2020), Nature Communications, 11
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Vulnerabilities in coronavirus glycan shields despite extensive glycosylation
Journal article
Watanabe Y. et al, (2020), Nature Communications, 11
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Naturally Acquired Rift Valley Fever Virus Neutralizing Antibodies Predominantly Target the Gn Glycoprotein.
Journal article
Wright D. et al, (2020), iScience, 23
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Overcoming Symmetry Mismatch in Vaccine Nanoassembly through Spontaneous Amidation
Journal article
Rahikainen R. et al, (2020), Angewandte Chemie
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Overcoming Symmetry Mismatch in Vaccine Nanoassembly via Spontaneous Amidation
Journal article
Howarth M. et al, (2020), Angewandte Chemie International Edition