Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Adel F. Alharbi, Nongfei Sheng, Katie Nicol, Nicklas Stromberg, Edward J. Hollox
Summary: Discovering loci under balancing selection in humans can identify loci with alleles that affect response to the environment and disease. Genome variation data have identified the 50 region of the DMBT1 gene as undergoing balancing selection in humans. The signal of balancing selection is driven by one haplotype usually carrying a shorter SRCR repeat and another usually carrying a longer SRCR repeat. DMBT1 encoded by a shorter SRCR repeat allele does not bind a cariogenic and invasive Streptococcus mutans strain, in contrast to the long SRCR allele that shows binding.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Adel F. Alharbi, Nongfei Sheng, Katie Nicol, Nicklas Stromberg, Edward J. Hollox
Summary: Identifying loci under balancing selection in humans can help us understand the genetic factors that influence our response to the environment and diseases. This study focuses on the DMBT1 gene, particularly a specific region, which has been found to undergo balancing selection. The protein encoded by this gene, known as DMBT1, interacts with pathogens and the variation in its structure may affect our susceptibility to certain diseases.
Article
Immunology
Aleksandra E. Matusiak, Jan Stepniak, Andrzej Lewinski, Malgorzata Karbownik-Lewinska
Summary: Hypopituitarism in adults is associated with a decrease in blood concentration of mannan-binding lectin, which does not occur in hypopituitary patients on appropriate hormone replacement therapies. Therefore, measuring mannan-binding lectin levels may contribute to optimizing hormone replacement therapy doses.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Roberta Bulla, Lucrezia Rossi, Giovanni Furlanis, Chiara Agostinis, Miriam Toffoli, Andrea Balduit, Alessandro Mangogna, Marco Liccari, Giorgia Morosini, Uday Kishore, Paolo Manganotti
Summary: Brain fog, a constellation of neurological and psychiatric symptoms, can occur in the post-acute phase of COVID-19. It is characterized by inattention, short-term memory loss, and reduced mental acuity, which can impact cognition, concentration, and sleep. This study found that levels of Mannan-binding lectin (MBL), an important component of the complement system, were significantly lower in COVID-19 patients experiencing brain fog compared to recovered patients. These findings suggest that MBL deficiency may contribute to the development of long COVID-associated brain fog.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Ninna Brix, Mia Glerup, Steffen Thiel, Clara Elbaek Mistegaard, Regitze Gyldenholm Skals, Lillemor Berntson, Anders Fasth, Susan Mary Nielsen, Ellen Nordal, Marite Rygg, Henrik Hasle, Birgitte Klug Albertsen, Troels Herlin
Summary: It is difficult to distinguish between acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with arthropathy and juvenile idiopathic arthritis based on clinical grounds. This study found that M-ficolin is a valuable marker to differentiate children with ALL from those with JIA, with a high level in the JIA group and normalization after ALL remission. The predictive model combining M-ficolin, platelets, and hemoglobin had a high accuracy in detecting ALL from JIA.
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Murielle Golomingi, Jessie Kohler, Lorenz Jenny, Elaissa T. Hardy, Jozsef Dobo, Peter Gal, Gabor Pal, Bence Kiss, Wilbur A. Lam, Verena Schroeder
Summary: In this study, the role of MBL and MASP-1 in the haemostatic response after mechanical vessel injury was investigated using a microvascular bleeding model. MBL was found to recognize the injury site, while MASP-1 increased fibrin formation, platelet activation, and shortened bleeding time. These findings suggest that the complement lectin pathway has a beneficial role in the physiological coagulation response by supporting the crucial haemostatic system.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Hematology
David Heja, Dongchang Zhao, Evan Cody, Arun Cumpelik, Pik Chin Lim, Mariano Prado-Acosta, Liv Palma, Sergio Dellepiane, Nicholas Chun, James Ferrara, Peter S. Heeger
Summary: This study found that mannan-binding lectin (MBL) plays a regulatory role in murine GVHD, possibly by amplifying LPS-induced gastrointestinal inflammation independent of complement activation. These findings suggest that strategies to block LPS/MBL binding on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) may help reduce the clinical expression of GVHD.
TRANSPLANTATION AND CELLULAR THERAPY
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Adam Zeiner, Francisco J. Colina, Matteo Citterico, Michael Wrzaczek
Summary: CYSTEINE-RICH RLKs (CRKs), a subgroup of plant-specific receptor-like protein kinases (RLKs), play important regulatory roles in developmental and stress-related signaling pathways. Recent studies have revealed the interactions of CRKs with various proteins and their localization within the plasma membrane. The exact activation post-translational modification or ligands perceived by CRKs are still unknown.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Werner Hoffmann
Summary: Mucous epithelia are protected by complex mucus barrier layers, with Trefoil factor family peptides playing a key role in innate immune defense. TFF1 and TFF2 are mainly expressed in the gastric mucosa, while TFF3 is secreted widely from various mucous epithelia. Systematic analyses of the molecular forms of TFFs have revealed diverse functions, including lectin activities and interactions with proteins involved in mucosal innate immunity.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Kwaku A. Osei, Joshua L. Mieher, Manisha Patel, Jason J. Nichols, Champion Deivanayagam
Summary: This study investigates the adhesion of tear protein Gp340 and its domains on contact lens materials and its effects on bacterial adherence, finding that Gp340 and its SRCR domains play an important role in bacterial adhesion to contact lenses.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Vemula Chandra Kaladhar, Yeshveer Singh, Athira Mohandas Nair, Kamal Kumar, Achuit Kumar Singh, Praveen Kumar Verma
Summary: This study identified a key virulence factor, BsCE66, in the fungal pathogen Bipolaris sorokiniana, which causes the devastating Spot Blotch disease in wheat plants. BsCE66 triggers oxidative burst and cell death in the host plant, contributing to disease progression and immune modulation.
FUNGAL GENETICS AND BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lisa Ann Sorbera, Coia Dulsat, Ann Graul
Summary: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare hematopoietic disorder caused by mutations in the PIGA gene. HSCT is currently the only cure, but new drug therapies are being investigated. Symptomatic treatment and targeted drug development are commonly used approaches.
DRUGS OF THE FUTURE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Erika Saaskilahti, Stina Syrjanen, Vuokko Loimaranta, Karolina Louvanto
Summary: Hinokitiol has anti-tumor activity on HPV positive and negative cell lines, inhibiting metabolic activity and DNA synthesis in all carcinoma cell lines, with a more significant effect on HPV-positive cell lines. It induces G1 cell cycle arrest and upregulation of p21 expression, showing potential in preventing the progression of immortalized cells towards malignancy and influencing HPV-associated lesion progression by downregulating E6 and E7 expression.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Tea Lund Laursen, Lars Bossen, Rasmus Pihl, Anne Troldborg, Thomas Damgaard Sandahl, Annette Gudmann Hansen, Trine Folserass, Mette Vesterhus, Henning Gronbaek, Steffen Thiel
Summary: The study found significantly elevated plasma concentrations of ITIH4 in patients with PBC and PSC compared to the healthy control group. ITIH4 may be a potential biomarker for cholestatic liver diseases.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jens Magnus Bernth Jensen, Anette Tarp Hansen, Anna Soderstorm, Charlotte Svaerke Jorgensen, Carsten Schade Larsen, Uffe B. Skov Sorensen, Steffen Thiel, Mikkel Steen Petersen
Summary: This study aimed to investigate whether the levels of naturally occurring antibodies against alpha Gal can serve as alternative markers of functional antibody capacity. The study included data from 229 patients with suspected primary immunodeficiency in a retrospective study. The results showed a positive correlation between anti-alpha Gal antibody levels and anti-pneumococcal antibody levels, and the former showed potential for predicting subsequent immunoglobulin treatment.
CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Maiken Lumby Henriksen, Christian Nielsen, Dennis Pedersen, Gregers Rom Andersen, Steffen Thiel, Yaseelan Palarasah, Soren Werner Karlskov Hansen
Summary: Factor D is a serine protease involved in immune responses and antibody functions. The mature form of factor D is the most abundant in circulation, while the pro-form accounts for 8-15% of total factor D. Blood sampling procedures can affect conversion and measurement levels.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGICAL METHODS
(2022)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Yigit Firatli, Erhan Firatli, Vuokko Loimaranta, Samira Elmanfi, Ulvi K. Gursoy
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of periodontitis-associated bacteria and inflammatory mediators on oral cells, and found that the expression of MCPIP-1 and MALT-1 proteins and mRNA in oral cells is regulated by these factors.
JOURNAL OF PERIODONTOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Jukka Huokuna, Vuokko Loimaranta, Merja A. Laine, Anna-Liisa Svedstrom-Oristo
Summary: Orthodontic forces may lead to reduced pulpal blood flow and decreased tooth sensibility, as evidenced by increased response thresholds and negative responses to tooth sensibility tests. There are also increased levels of enzymes and neuropeptides associated with hypoxia and inflammation. Fibrotic tissue formation in the pulp has also been reported.
ACTA ODONTOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mervi Gursoy, Jaana Rautava, Pirkko Pussinen, Anna Karin Kristoffersen, Morten Enersen, Vuokko Loimaranta, Ulvi Kahraman Gursoy
Summary: This study evaluated the levels of IgA and IgG antibodies against Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Prevotella intermedia in the saliva of Crohn's disease patients. Higher levels of salivary IgG2 and IgG3 antibodies, as well as IgG antibodies against P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans, and P. intermedia, were detected in Crohn's disease patients. The carriage of P. gingivalis in the saliva was lower in Crohn's disease patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Pauliina Lusila, Anne Toivonen, Hanna Jarva, Kim Vettenranta, Sari Lehtimaki, Eliisa Kekalainen
Summary: FASCIA is an effective method for diagnosing CID with significant advantages, such as not requiring radioactive reagents and reliably detecting CID patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Julie Brogaard Larsen, Rasmus Pihl, Mathies Appel Aggerbeck, Kim Michael Larsen, Christine Lodberg Hvas, Nanna Johnsen, Mette G. Christensen, Helle Praetorius, Anne-Mette Hvas, Steffen Thiel
Summary: The study investigates the association between ITIH4 levels and sepsis-related coagulopathy, indicating that ITIH4 is not an acute-phase reactant during septic shock.
RESEARCH AND PRACTICE IN THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS
(2023)
Article
Allergy
Laura Barrett Ryo, Didde Haslund, Anne Bruun Rovsing, Rasmus Pihl, Wariya Sanrattana, Steven de Maat, Yaseelan Palarasah, Coen Maas, Steffen Thiel, Jacob Giehm Mikkelsen
Summary: This study investigates the trans-inhibitory effects of different SERPING1 variants on the expression, secretion, functionality, and intracellular localization of C1 inhibitor (C1INH) in HeLa cells. The findings suggest that different SERPING1 variants may drive the pathogenicity of hereditary angioedema through different and sometimes overlapping molecular disease mechanisms, with some variants acting as dominant-negative factors.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alexey Ferapontov, Marjan Omer, Isabelle Baudrexel, Jesper Sejrup Nielsen, Daniel Miotto Dupont, Kristian Juul-Madsen, Philipp Steen, Alexandra S. Eklund, Steffen Thiel, Thomas Vorup-Jensen, Ralf Jungmann, Jorgen Kjems, Soren Egedal Degn
Summary: The binding between B cell receptors (BCRs) and antigens triggers a response in B cells and eventually leads to antibody production. However, it is still unclear how BCRs are distributed on naive B cells and how antigen binding initiates the first step of BCR signaling. Using DNA-PAINT super-resolution microscopy, it has been discovered that most BCRs exist as monomers, dimers, or loosely associated clusters on resting B cells, with a nearest-neighbor inter-Fab distance of 20-30nm. By engineering monoclonal model antigens with precise control over affinity and valency, researchers found that the antigen can activate the BCR in an agonistic manner as affinity and avidity increase.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Marja Kovala, Minna Seppala, Anne Raisanen-Sokolowski, Seppo Meri, Eero Honkanen, Kati Kaartinen
Summary: Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is divided into immune-complex-mediated glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) and C3 glomerulopathy (C3G). This study found that IC-MPGN and C3G have remarkably similar clinical characteristics, kidney and overall survival, indicating that the current classification of MPGN does not provide significant clinical value in assessing renal prognosis.
Article
Immunology
Mads Lamm Larsen, Anne Troldborg, Erik J. M. Toonen, Lisa Hurler, Zoltan Prohaszka, Laszlo Cervenak, Annette Gudmann Hansen, Steffen Thiel
Summary: This study aims to differentiate between classical or lectin pathway-mediated complement activation in SLE patients by quantifying pathway-specific protein complexes. The classical pathway is activated in active SLE disease, whereas activation of the lectin pathway might be more specific to disease manifestations like lupus nephritis.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Moritz Lasse, Jamal El Saghir, Celine C. Berthier, Sean Eddy, Matthew Fischer, Sandra D. Laufer, Dominik Kylies, Arvid Hutzfeldt, Lena Lydie Bonin, Bernhard Dumoulin, Rajasree Menon, Virginia Vega-Warner, Felix Eichinger, Fadhl Alakwaa, Damian Fermin, Anja M. Billing, Akihiro Minakawa, Phillip J. McCown, Michael P. Rose, Bradley Godfrey, Elisabeth Meister, Thorsten Wiech, Mercedes Noriega, Maria Chrysopoulou, Paul Brandts, Wenjun Ju, Linda Reinhard, Elion Hoxha, Florian Grahammer, Maja T. Lindenmeyer, Tobias B. Huber, Hartmut Schlueter, Steffen Thiel, Laura H. Mariani, Victor G. Puelles, Fabian Braun, Matthias Kretzler, Fatih Demir, Jennifer L. Harder, Markus M. Rinschen
Summary: Kidney organoids are a promising model for studying kidney disease. By analyzing the proteome and transcriptome of the organoids, researchers found that older organoids deposit more extracellular matrix and express fewer glomerular proteins. Treatment with TNF-α resulted in differential expression of 322 proteins, including cytokines and complement components. Integration of transcriptomic data revealed that these proteins were associated with poorer clinical outcomes in proteinuric kidney disease patients. This study demonstrates the functional relevance of kidney organoids in modeling human kidney disease.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Tea Lund Laursen, Lars Bossen, Rasmus Pihl, Anne Troldborg, Thomas Damgaard Sandahl, Annette Gudmann Hansen, Trine Folserass, Mette Vesterhus, Henning Gronbaek, Steffen Thiel
Summary: The plasma concentration of ITIH4 was significantly elevated in patients with PBC and PSC, with correlations observed with IgM levels and lower concentrations in responders to UDCA treatment. Increased ITIH4 staining was seen in immunohistochemistry, indicating its potential role as a biomarker in cholestatic liver diseases.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
