Biology subjects

Venneman, T.

Publications and source records attributed to Venneman, T..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2023

Ultrapotent SARS coronavirus-neutralizing single-domain antibodies that bind a conserved membrane proximal epitope of the spike

Currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants have gained complete or significant resistance to all SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing antibodies that have been used in the clinic. Such antibodies can prevent severe disease in SARS-CoV-2 exposed patients for whom vaccines may not provide optimal protection. Here, we describe single-domain antibodies (VHHs), also known as nanobodies, that can broadly neutralize SARS-CoV-2 with unusually high potency. Structural analysis revealed their binding to a unique, highly conserved, membrane proximal, quaternary epitope in the S2 subunit of the spike. Furthermore, a VHH-human IgG1 Fc fusion, efficiently expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells as a stable antibody construct, protected hamsters against SARS-CoV-2 replication in a therapeutic setting when administered systemically at low dose. This VHH-based antibody represents a new candidate anti-COVID-19 biologic that targets the Achilles heel of the viral spike.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2023

Fast and artifact-free excitation multiplexing using synchronized image scanning

We present the Resonator, a simple optical device that provides quasi-simultaneous fluorescence imaging with multiple excitation wavelengths. The device uses a resonant scanning mirror to periodically displace the sample image on a camera sensor at a rate that is much faster than the image acquisition rate. The excitation light is synchronized with the scanner motion to create two laterally shifted copies of the image, each containing the fluorescence excited by a single wavelength. The additional information is then encoded either into the point-spread function of the imaging or as multiple distinct images. Since this multiplexing is performed at very high rates, our design can eliminate or mitigate artifacts caused by temporal aliasing in conventional sequential imaging. We demonstrate the use of our system for the monitoring of fast light-induced dynamics in single quantum dots and for the imaging of Ca2+ signalling in hippocampal neurons.

biophysics↗