Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Researchers reveal how the fusion-loop-engineered Zika vaccine achieves protection

in macaques and abolishes ADE risk

Oct 08, 2026

Researchers Identify ANKRD11 as an Epigenetic Brake on CD8⁺ T Cell Immunity

in Chronic HBV Infection and Cancer

CD8+ T cell dysfunction impedes HBV clearance and antitumor immunity. Through genome-wide CRISPR screening in chronic HBV mice, we identify ANKRD11 as a key epigenetic regulator of CD8⁺ T cell dysfunction. ANKRD11 loss elevates H3K27ac levels and chromatin accessibility at AP-1 loci, upregulating AP-1 to enhance T-cell function, viral control and tumor regression, positioning ANKRD11 as a promising target for chronic HBV and cancer.

Sep 11, 2026

Structural and Functional Insights into Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Sub-variant BA.3.2.2/RE.2.2

A research team led by Prof. GAO George Fu from the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, investigated the molecular characteristics of the emerging SARS-CoV-2 subvariant BA.3.2.2 (RE.2.2). The study reveals that the R493Q reverse mutation enhances human ACE2 receptor affinity, while G446D restores neutralization by specific broad antibodies. Crucially, the discovery of an unprecedented N-linked glycosylation site at N529 stabilizes the spike closed conformation and regulates entry. These findings elucidate critical structural constraints governing viral immune evasion.

Sep 08, 2026

International Cooperation Program for Microbial Big Data Sharing and Utilization endorsed as Programme of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD)

Aug 21, 2026

Researchers Build a Structural and Mechanistic Atlas of

SARS-CoV-2 NTD Antibody Neutralization and Immune Escape

This study establishes a structural and mechanistic atlas of SARS-CoV-2 N-terminal domain (NTD) antibodies by defining nine epitope classes and characterizing their neutralization and escape profiles. NTD-5 and NTD-9 antibodies neutralize through S1 shedding. Profiling 41 antibodies across major variants defines an epitope-resolved escape landscape, while integrated structural and functional analyses identify three convergent escape strategies: contact-residue disruption, glycan shielding, and conformational remodeling. In KP.3.1.1, ΔS31 drives a dual escape mechanism through N30 glycosylation and local structural remodeling.

Aug 11, 2026

Researchers Find CRISPR-Cas Orchestrates a Layered Bacterial Defense Network

Coordination among bacterial diverse defence systems is poorly understood. Here we uncover that type I CRISPR-Cas loci embed and transcriptionally modulate diverse innate defences, enabling basal antiviral activity while mitigating fitness costs associated with hyperactivation. When CRISP-Cas is compromised, embedded systems burst transcriptionally, enhancing innate immunity at the expense of host fitness. Together, adaptive CRISPR-Cas systems orchestrate diverse innate immune systems into a layered defence network, comprising a prokaryotic 'immunity guard' strategy.

Jul 20, 2026