Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Patrick Nell, Kathrin Kattler, David Feuerborn, Birte Hellwig, Adrian Rieck, Abdulrahman Salhab, Konstantin Lepikhov, Gilles Gasparoni, Antonia Thomitzek, Katharina Belgasmi, Nils Bluethgen, Markus Morkel, Barbara Kueppers-Munther, Patricio Godoy, David C. Hay, Cristina Cadenas, Rosemarie Marchan, Nachiket Vartak, Karolina Edlund, Joerg Rahnenfuehrer, Joern Walter, Jan G. Hengstler
Summary: Targeted modification of the FXR gene regulatory network improves differentiation of stem cell-derived hepatocytes by suppressing intestinal traits and inducing hepatocyte features, bringing them closer to hepatocytes derived from human livers.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Vinit Upasani, Izabela Rodenhuis-Zybert, Tineke Cantaert
Summary: The functions of B cells independent of antibodies, such as cytokine production and antigen presentation, play important roles in both acute and chronic viral infections. They produce both anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and as professional antigen presenting cells, they are involved in immune regulation and shaping adaptive immune responses.
Article
Cell Biology
Eva Domenjo-Vila, Valentina Casella, Ryutaro Iwabuchi, Even Fossum, Mireia Pedragosa, Quim Castellvi, Paula Cebollada Rica, Tsuneyasu Kaisho, Kazutaka Terahara, Gennady Bocharov, Jordi Argilaguet, Andreas Meyerhans
Summary: The contribution of XCR1+ dendritic cells (DCs) and SIRPa+ DCs in maintaining T cell function during exhaustion and immunotherapeutic interventions of chronic infections is poorly understood. In a mouse model of chronic LCMV infection, XCR1+ DCs were found to be more resistant to infection and highly activated compared to SIRPa+ DCs. Exploiting XCR1+ DCs through expansion or vaccination improved CD8+ T cell functionality and virus control. PD-L1 blockade was found to be more effective when combined with increased frequency of XCR1+ DCs, enhancing the functionality of exhausted CD8+ T cell subsets.
Article
Microbiology
Hanna Abberger, Matthias Hose, Anne Ninnemann, Christopher Menne, Mareike Eilbrecht, Karl S. Lang, Kai Matuschewski, Robert Geffers, Josephine Herz, Jan Buer, Astrid M. Westendorf, Wiebke Hansen
Summary: Neuropilin-1 (Nrp-1) expression on CD8(+) T cells is associated with neurological deficits and liver damage in Plasmodium and viral infections. Nrp-1(+)CD8(+) T cells exhibit a highly activated phenotype during infections. T cell-specific Nrp-1 deficiency alleviates the severity of the diseases. The reduced blood-brain barrier leakage and parasite sequestration may contribute to the protective effects.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Pratima Saini, Opeyemi S. Adeniji, Mohamed Abdel-Mohsen
Summary: Siglecs are a family of emerging glyco-immune checkpoints that can enhance immune cell functions when inhibited and reduce hyper-inflammation when engaged. While their roles in modulating immunological functions during cancer are well-documented, their roles in regulating immunological equilibrium during viral infections are less clear. This review discusses the potential roles of inhibitory Siglecs in balancing immune activation and tolerance during viral infections and explores the opportunities to target Siglec immunological switches to achieve immunological balance.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Margarita E. E. Bogomiakova, Elizaveta K. K. Sekretova, Ksenia S. S. Anufrieva, Polina O. O. Khabarova, Anastasia N. N. Kazakova, Pavel A. A. Bobrovsky, Tatiana V. V. Grigoryeva, Artem V. V. Eremeev, Olga S. S. Lebedeva, Alexandra N. N. Bogomazova, Maria A. A. Lagarkova
Summary: Recent reports suggest that aberrant gene expression in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can lead to their recognition by autologous T-cells. However, this study found that iPSC-derived cells are more likely to be recognized by autologous NK cells than autologous T-cells. Pre-treatment of iPSC-derived cells was shown to reduce NK cell cytotoxicity.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Fanyi Meng, Siqi Zhang, Juan Xie, Yuan Zhou, Qingling Wu, Binyan Lu, Shixin Zhou, Xiangyu Zhao, Yang Li
Summary: We developed the hnCD16 Fusion Receptor (FR) construct by fusing the ectodomain of hnCD16 with NK cell-specific activating domains, expanding the application of hnCD16-mediated antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in NK cell-based immunotherapy. The FR construct showed efficient tumor-killing effects and increased cytokine release in NK cell line and iNK cells. The hnCD16FR transduction remodels the immune-related transcriptome in NK cells, enhancing cytotoxicity, cytokine release, tumor cell apoptosis, and ADCC compared to hnCD16 transduction.
JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY & ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Simon Jasinski-Bergner, Dominik Schmiedel, Ofer Mandelboim, Barbara Seliger
Summary: This review provides a summary of the expression, regulation, function, and impact of HLA-G in the context of different viral infections, including virus-associated cancers. It emphasizes the potential use of HLA-G as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for viral infections, as well as a therapeutic target.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Silvia Beltrami, Sabrina Rizzo, Giovanna Schiuma, Giorgia Speltri, Dario Di Luca, Roberta Rizzo, Daria Bortolotti
Summary: Viral infections during pregnancy can have serious consequences for both the mother and the fetus. Depending on the timing and type of infection, different clinical manifestations can occur. The unique immunological status of pregnancy allows viruses to exploit and evade the maternal immune system. Understanding the interaction between these viruses and the host's immune system is crucial for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This review focuses on the DNA and RNA viruses associated with gestational infections.
Review
Cell Biology
Tong Chen, Shaoyu Tu, Ling Ding, Meilin Jin, Huanchun Chen, Hongbo Zhou
Summary: Autophagy is a cellular process that degrades virus particles and components during a viral infection. However, viruses have evolved various strategies to subvert autophagy and counteract cellular antiviral responses.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Mohammad Hossein Razizadeh, Alireza Zafarani, Mahsa Taghavi-Farahabadi, Hossein Khorramdelazad, Sara Minaeian, Mohammad Mahmoudi
Summary: This article initially examines the role of natural killer cells in various viral infections and the mechanisms used by viruses to evade these important immune system cells. Subsequently, it discusses the role of NK cell-derived exosomes in controlling various viral infections. Finally, it reviews the current position of these cells in the treatment of viral infections and the therapeutic potential of their exosomes.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Mostafa Vaghari-Tabari, Iraj Mohammadzadeh, Durdi Qujeq, Maryam Majidinia, Forough Alemi, Simin Younesi, Ata Mahmoodpoor, Masomeh Maleki, Bahman Yousefi, Zatollah Asemi
Summary: Respiratory viral infections are common and unregulated immune response can cause inflammation and tissue damage. Regulating the antiviral immune response in the respiratory tract is important. Recent studies highlight the importance of vitamin D in respiratory viral infections. Vitamin D, in addition to regulating phosphorus and calcium metabolism, can also regulate immune response, providing protection against respiratory viral infections and preventing excessive inflammation and tissue damage.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Johanna Hol Fosse, Guttorm Haraldsen, Knut Falk, Reidunn Edelmann
Summary: The role of endothelial cells in COVID-19 and other viral infections is crucial, as they impact virus invasion and the body's immune response. The deterioration of endothelial function is closely related to the severity of the disease, highlighting the importance of studying how viruses modulate endothelial cell function.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Orianne Constant, Ghizlane Maarifi, Fabien P. Blanchet, Philippe van de Perre, Yannick Simonin, Sara Salinas
Summary: This review highlights the important contribution of dendritic cells in the development and consequences of viral brain infections.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manlio Tolomeo, Andrea Cavalli, Antonio Cascio
Summary: STAT1 protein plays a crucial role in the immune response against viruses, and its deficiency can result in severe infections and even death. It has been found that some viruses inhibit the activity of STAT1, making it important to search for drugs that can target these viral proteins for the treatment of dangerous viral infections and future viral pandemics, as demonstrated by the clinical results with Paxlovid in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Anesthesiology
D. Thomas-Rueddel, J. Winning, P. Dickmann, D. Ouart, A. Kortgen, U. Janssens, M. Bauer
Summary: The current outbreak of COVID-19 in Germany has both mild cases and severe cases that require intensive care. Unlike other infectious diseases, severe cases of COVID-19 show a prolonged progression from first symptoms to life-threatening deterioration of lung function. It is crucial to prevent nosocomial infections and maintain hospitals' operational capability, with departments of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care, and emergency medicine facing major challenges.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Marko Rodewald, Hyeonsoo Bae, Sophie Huschke, Tobias Meyer-Zedler, Michael Schmitt, Adrian Tibor Press, Stephanie Schubert, Michael Bauer, Juergen Popp
Summary: The microscope setup presented in this study is tailored to address challenges in in vivo experiments, showcasing its use in identifying vitamin A accumulations in the liver and marking the positions of hepatic stellate cells. These cells, being the main source of extracellular matrix protein after hepatic injury, are key targets for novel nanomedical strategies in liver fibrosis treatment and their role in vitamin A metabolism makes them ideal for a CARS-based approach.
JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS
(2021)
Article
Dermatology
Xiaoxiao Hou, Amir M. Hossini, Georgios Nikolakis, Ottfried Balthasar, Andreas Kurtz, Christos C. Zouboulis
Summary: This study developed a human model of hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa (HS) applicable for preclinical research to understand the pathophysiology of the disease and determine the action of therapeutic candidates. The application of 3D-SeboSkin technology maintained the structural integrity of lesional and perilesional HS skin ex vivo, preserving the differential expression and pattern of several HS biomarkers. The HS 3D-SeboSkin model was validated as a reproducible, human model suitable for preclinical studies of HS skin lesions and perilesional areas.
Letter
Oncology
P. A. Reuken, M. M. Ruethrich, A. Hochhaus, J. Hammersen, M. Bauer, P. La Rosee, F. La Rosee, A. Stallmach
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Juliane Scholz, Wibke Wetzker, Annika Licht, Rainer Heintzmann, Andre Scherag, Sebastian Weis, Mathias Pletz, Cornelia Betsch, Michael Bauer, Petra Dickmann
Summary: The investigation of a community quarantine in Neustadt am Rennsteig, Germany, revealed that national television was the most important information channel, while contact with local authorities was limited. Most participants supported the quarantine measures and reported high compliance. Participants with higher levels of concern and information were more likely to accept and comply with quarantine measures.
Article
Cell Biology
Thao Thi Thanh Ngo, Bella Rossbach, Isabelle Sebastien, Julia C. Neubauer, Andreas Kurtz, Krithika Hariharan
Summary: This study provides a standardized protocol for the large-scale production of proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTEC) generated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC). The researchers successfully expanded and differentiated hPSC into PTEC using a bioLevitator platform and matrix-coated alginate beads. The functional PTEC exhibited microvilli and clear apico-basal localization of markers, and showed active reabsorption and response to drug treatment. This method may have the potential for automatable production of functional human PTEC.
CELL PROLIFERATION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
T. N. M. Hoang, Z. Cseresnyes, S. Hartung, M. Blickensdorf, C. Saffer, K. Rennert, A. S. Mosig, M. von Lilienfeld-Toal, M. T. Figge
Summary: Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a serious infection with a high mortality rate. The invasive aspergillosis-on-chip (IAC) model allows the study of fungal growth and invasion in vitro. The model uses an algorithm-based analysis pipeline to visualize and quantify the morphology of the fungus. Macrophages in the IAC model inhibit fungal growth partially and contribute to the release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The fungistatic drug caspofungin limits fungal growth and causes morphological changes in the hyphal tree.
Review
Cell Biology
Andreas Kurtz, Nancy Mah, Ying Chen, Antonie Fuhr, Sabine Kobold, Stefanie Seltmann, Sabine C. Mueller
Summary: This review provides an overview of the establishment and mission of the human pluripotent stem cell registry (hPSCreg), as well as its development into a knowledgebase for hPSC and the current status of hPSC-focused databases. It also discusses the challenges and hurdles of data sharing on a global level.
CELL PROLIFERATION
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Justyna Rasinska, Charlotte Klein, Laura Stahn, Felix Maidhof, Anna Pfeffer, Stefanie Schreyer, Manfred Gossen, Andreas Kurtz, Barbara Steiner, Shabnam Hemmati-Sadeghi
Summary: This study achieved continuous overexpression of GDNF in immune-privileged human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells using a non-viral Sleeping Beauty transposon. Although GDNF was detectable shortly after cell transplantation, the 6-OHDA model used was too mild to evaluate disease improvement. Further research using a more appropriate 6-OHDA model is needed to test the therapeutic potential of GDNF-overexpressing cells.
JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tanvi Shroff, Kehinde Aina, Christian Maass, Madalena Cipriano, Joeri Lambrecht, Frank Tacke, Alexander Mosig, Peter Loskill
Summary: Non-clinical models for studying metabolism have limitations in terms of species translatability and predictability. Organ-on-chip systems, specifically multi-organ chips, provide a species-specific platform for studying metabolism and can be integrated with in silico models to enhance predictive power. This technology also has potential for translational applications and personalized medicine.
Article
Cell Biology
Bella Rossbach, Krithika Hariharan, Nancy Mah, Su-Jun Oh, Hans-Dieter Volk, Petra Reinke, Andreas Kurtz
Summary: This study investigates the immunological effects of hiPSC-derived cells and finds that their immune response varies depending on the stage of cell maturation. Autologous and allogeneic T cells tolerate early renal progenitors and mature renal epithelial cells, while NK cell responses are not suppressed and can effectively change NK cell activation status. These findings have important implications for the success of cell therapies.
Letter
Critical Care Medicine
Michael Bauer, Reinhard Wetzker
INTENSIVE CARE MEDICINE EXPERIMENTAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David M. Maslove, Benjamin Tang, Manu Shankar-Hari, Patrick R. Lawler, Derek C. Angus, J. Kenneth Baillie, Rebecca M. Baron, Michael Bauer, Timothy G. Buchman, Carolyn S. Calfee, Claudia C. dos Santos, Evangelos J. Giamarellos-Bourboulis, Anthony C. Gordon, John A. Kellum, Julian C. Knight, Aleksandra Leligdowicz, Daniel F. McAuley, Anthony S. McLean, David K. Menon, Nuala J. Meyer, Lyle L. Moldawer, Kiran Reddy, John P. Reilly, James A. Russell, Jonathan E. Sevransky, Christopher W. Seymour, Nathan I. Shapiro, Mervyn Singer, Charlotte Summers, Timothy E. Sweeney, B. Taylor Thompson, Tom van der Poll, Balasubramanian Venkatesh, Keith R. Walley, Timothy S. Walsh, Lorraine B. Ware, Hector R. Wong, Zsolt E. Zador, John C. Marshall
Summary: The authors propose a new conceptual model of critical illness that moves away from the current syndrome-based framework and focuses on more precise biological descriptors. They discuss the need to reconsider the current approach based on syndromes and instead emphasize the underlying biological changes that underpin critical illness states. By doing so, they believe it will lead to a better understanding of the pathobiology of critical illness and improved patient outcomes.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lisa-Marie Ney, Maximilian Wipplinger, Martha Grossmann, Nicole Engert, Valentin D. Wegner, Alexander S. Mosig
Summary: The human intestinal microbiome has a significant impact on human health and resistance to infections through the dynamic composition and release of microbial-derived metabolites. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which are produced by commensal bacteria through fermentation of indigestible fibers, play a key role in regulating the host immune response to microbial colonization by influencing various cellular processes. While the pleiotropic functions of SCFAs and their importance in maintaining human health have been studied, there is still a need for a better understanding of their mechanisms of action across different cell types and organs. This review provides an overview of the functions of SCFAs in cellular metabolism, with a focus on their role in orchestrating the immune response along different axes. It also discusses their potential use in treating inflammatory diseases and infections, as well as the use of human three-dimensional organ models for further research.
Article
Cell Biology
Puja Kumari, Swathy O. Vasudevan, Ashley J. Russo, Skylar S. Wright, Victor Fraile-Agreda, Dylan Krajewski, Evan R. Jellison, Ignacio Rubio, Michael Bauer, Atsushi Shimoyama, Koichi Fukase, Yuanpeng Zhang, Joel S. Pachter, Sivapriya Kailasan Vanaja, Vijay A. Rathinam
Summary: This study demonstrates that extracellular vesicles can capture systemic bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and transfer it to the cytosol, triggering inflammatory responses and cell death.
NATURE CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
