Article
Neurosciences
Xiaojing Li, Linlin Qi, Dan Yang, ShuJie Hao, Fang Zhang, Xingguo Zhu, Yue Sun, Chen Chen, Jing Ye, Jing Yang, Ling Zhao, Daniel M. Altmann, Shengbo Cao, Hongyan Wang, Bin Wei
Summary: This study reveals the role of meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLVs) in transporting viruses from the CNS to cervical lymph nodes during acute viral infection. Functional expansion of MLVs promotes virus clearance and reduces neurological damage.
NATURE NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Kim Pin Yeo, Hwee Ying Lim, Veronique Angeli
Summary: Lymphatic vessels play a critical role in acute and chronic inflammation, particularly in atherosclerosis. Defects in lymphatic function impact the progression of inflammation, and targeting lymphatic function in conjunction with existing drugs may be considered as a treatment option for atherosclerosis.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Diogo Garcia Valadares, Owen Scott Clay, Yani Chen, Breanna Mary Scorza, Suzanne Louise Cassel, Fayyaz Shiraz Sutterwala, Mary Edythe Wilson
Summary: The NLR protein NLRP12 is important for innate immunity, but its mechanism is still not fully understood. In this study, mice lacking Nlrp12 showed higher levels of parasite replication in the liver after infection with Leishmania infantum compared to wild-type mice, and the parasites failed to disseminate to the spleen. Most of the parasites in the liver were found in dendritic cells (DCs), while the number of infected DCs in the spleen was reduced. Furthermore, Nlrp12(-/-) DCs showed lower expression of CCR7, failed to migrate towards CCL19 or CCL21 in chemotaxis assays, and migrated poorly to draining lymph nodes after sterile inflammation. Leishmania-infected Nlpr12(-/-) DCs were also less effective at transporting parasites to lymph nodes compared to wild-type DCs. These findings suggest that Nlrp12-expressing DCs are necessary for efficient dissemination and immune clearance of L. infantum from the site of initial infection, partly due to defective CCR7 expression.
Article
Cell Biology
Thomas Andrew Fox, Benjamin Christopher Houghton, Lina Petersone, Erin Waters, Natalie Mona Edner, Alex McKenna, Olivier Preham, Claudia Hinze, Cayman Williams, Adriana Silva de Albuquerque, Alan Kennedy, Anne Maria Pesenacker, Pietro Genovese, Lucy Sarah Kate Walker, Siobhan Oisin Burns, David Michael Sansom, Claire Booth, Emma Catherine Morris
Summary: A gene editing strategy was designed to insert the CTLA-4 cDNA into primary human T cells, restoring CTLA-4 expression and demonstrating the feasibility of using T cell gene therapy for CTLA-4 insufficiency.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Lee S. Nguyen, Sofia Ortuno, Benedicte Lebrun-Vignes, Douglas B. Johnson, Javid J. Moslehi, Alexandre Hertig, Joe-Elie Salem
Summary: The study assessed the characteristics of rejection events in solid organ transplant recipients following the use of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and identified drugs associated with rejection events. Primary kidney transplant rejection was linked to nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and ipilimumab, while liver transplant rejection was mainly over-reported with nivolumab.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mladen Jergovic, Christopher P. Coplen, Jennifer L. Uhrlaub, David G. Besselsen, Shu Cheng, Megan J. Smithey, Janko Nikolich-Zugich
Summary: Infections can lead to the expansion of a subpopulation of long-lived, Ly6C(+) CD8(+) Tn cells with accelerated effector function, depending on the action of IFN-I. This highlights the significant role of infection-driven IFN-I in regulating Tn homeostasis and function, with potential implications for immunotherapy.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Laura J. Pallett, Leo Swadling, Mariana Diniz, Alexander A. A. Maini, Marius Schwabenland, Adria Dalmau Gasull, Jessica Davies, Stephanie Kucykowicz, Jessica K. K. Skelton, Niclas Thomas, Nathalie M. M. Schmidt, Oliver E. E. Amin, Upkar S. S. Gill, Kerstin A. A. Stegmann, Alice R. R. Burton, Emily Stephenson, Gary Reynolds, Matt Whelan, Jenifer Sanchez, Roel de Maeyer, Clare Thakker, Kornelija Suveizdyte, Imran Uddin, Ana M. M. Ortega-Prieto, Charlotte Grant, Farid Froghi, Giuseppe Fusai, Sabela Lens, Sofia Perez-del-Pulgar, Walid Al-Akkad, Giuseppe Mazza, Mahdad Noursadeghi, Arne Akbar, Patrick T. F. Kennedy, Brian R. R. Davidson, Marco Prinz, Benjamin M. M. Chain, Muzlifah Haniffa, Derek W. W. Gilroy, Marcus Dorner, Bertram Bengsch, Anna Schurich, Mala K. K. Maini
Summary: CD14(+)CD8(+) T cells in the liver exhibit immunomodulatory features and play a role in liver transplantation, infection, and tumors. These cells have high levels of IL-10 and IL-2 production, as well as enhanced antiviral/anti-tumor effector function. Additionally, these cells can enhance the tumor-killing ability of CD8(+) T cells by acquiring the lipopolysaccharide receptor complex from mononuclear phagocytes. Bacterial products and tissue stromal factors can tune liver immunity by driving myeloid instruction of CD8(+) T cells.
Review
Ophthalmology
Thomas Clahsen, Karina Hadrian, Maria Notara, Simona L. Schlereth, Antonia Howaldt, Verena Prokosch, Thomas Volatier, Deniz Hos, Falk Schroedl, Alexandra Kaser-Eichberger, Ludwig M. Heindl, Philipp Steven, Jacobus J. Bosch, Alexander Steinkasserer, Alexander C. Rokohl, Hanhan Liu, Mert Mestanoglu, Hamid Kashkar, Bjorn Schumacher, Friedemann Kiefer, Stefan Schulte-Merker, Mario Matthaei, Yanhong Hou, Sonja Fassbender, Jonathan Jantsch, Wei Zhang, Philip Enders, Bjorn Bachmann, Felix Bock, Claus Cursiefen
Summary: Traditionally, the eye was believed to lack lymphatic vessels. However, recent research has shown that lymphatic vessels have a role in various ocular pathologies. This review provides an overview of the pathogenetic role of ocular lymphatics and the potential therapeutic options based on molecular mechanisms. It discusses the role of lymphatic vessels in corneal angiogenesis, ocular surface pathologies, ocular tumors, and glaucoma, and emphasizes the importance of identifying molecular mechanisms and modulators of lymphangiogenesis for future treatments.
PROGRESS IN RETINAL AND EYE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Jens Wallmichrath, Dominik Schoepfer, Andreas Frick, Mayo Weiss, Rudiger G. H. Baumeister
Summary: A study was conducted to evaluate the long-term postoperative lymphatic function in the donor site after microsurgical lymphatic vessel transplantation. The results showed that harvesting lymphatic vessels from the thigh for transplantation can improve lymphatic drainage without significant donor site morbidity.
JOURNAL OF VASCULAR SURGERY-VENOUS AND LYMPHATIC DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Wenmian Huang, Hanxiao Cai, Tao Liu, Yutao Du, Xiaochang Xue, Guodong Feng
Summary: Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a common brain disease caused by sepsis, which is associated with increased mortality, cognition dysfunction, and healthcare costs. The dura mater, the outermost meninges of the central nervous system, plays an important role in CNS immunity. Research has found that immune cells and meningeal lymphatic vessels within the dura respond to SAE.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Ranjithkumar Ravichandran, Sandhya Bansal, Mohammad Rahman, Angara Sureshbabu, Narendra Sankpal, Timothy Fleming, Ankit Bharat, Thalachallour Mohanakumar
Summary: Chronic rejection after organ transplantation may involve a synergistic effect between donor-specific antibodies (HLA-DSAs) and antibodies to tissue-associated antigens (TaAgs). Extracellular vesicles released from transplanted organs may play a role in chronic rejection by expressing both donor human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and non-HLA TaAgs, leading to immune responses and antibody development.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Prem Raj Sigdel, Diwas Gnyawali, Jeevan Thapa, Bipendra D. K. Rai, Pawan Dhital, Purushottam Parajuli, Sampanna Chudal, Manish Pradhan, Sujeet Poudyal, Suman Chapagain, Bhoj R. Luitel, Pawan R. Chalise, Prem R. Gyawali, Uttam K. Sharma
Summary: This study compared lymphatic complications between bipolar vessel sealing system and silk ligation in renal transplant recipients, finding no significant differences between the two techniques. Larger multi-centric studies are needed to further investigate the differences in lymphatic complications between these two methods.
INTERNATIONAL UROLOGY AND NEPHROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Eric S. Lightcap, Pengfei Yu, Stephen Grossman, Keli Song, Mithun Khattar, Kristina Xega, Xingyue He, James M. Gavin, Hisashi Imaichi, James J. Garnsey, Erik Koenig, Hongru Zhang, Zhen Lu, Pooja Shah, Yu Fu, Michael A. Milhollen, Beryl A. Hatton, Jessica Riceberg, Vaishali Shinde, Cong Li, James Minissale, Xiaofeng Yang, Dylan England, Richard A. Klinghoffer, Steve Langston, Katherine Galvin, Gary Shapiro, Sai M. Pulukuri, Serge Y. Fuchs, Dennis Huszar
Summary: TAK-981 is a first-in-class SUMOylation inhibitor that promotes antitumor immune responses by activating IFN1 signaling. Studies have shown that TAK-981 inhibits tumor growth in mice, dependent on IFN1 signaling and CD8(+) T cells, and is associated with increased intratumoral T and natural killer cell number and activation.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roxane Valentin, Christophe Wong, Arwaf S. Alharbi, Solene Pradeloux, Makala P. Morros, Kim A. Lennox, Julia Ellyard, Aurelie J. Garcin, Tomalika R. Ullah, Gina D. Kusuma, Genevieve Pepin, Hong-Mei Li, Jaclyn S. Pearson, Jonathan Ferrand, Rebecca Lim, Rakesh N. Veedu, Eric F. Morand, Carola G. Vinuesa, Mark A. Behlke, Michael P. Gantier
Summary: The study demonstrates that 2'OMe ASOs exhibit sequence-dependent inhibitory effects on RNA sensor TLR7, DNA sensors cGAS and TLR9. Different ASO sequences have varying potency in inhibiting these immune sensors, with only a few shown to inhibit both cGAS and TLR9 pathways. This complex pattern of immunomodulation confounds the interpretation of in vivo functions of ASOs.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Thomas J. Connors, Rei Matsumoto, Shivali Verma, Peter A. Szabo, Rebecca Guyer, Joshua Gray, Zicheng Wang, Puspa Thapa, Pranay Dogra, Maya M. L. Poon, Ksenia Rybkina, Marissa C. Bradley, Emma Idzikowski, James Mcnichols, Masaru Kubota, Kalpana Pethe, Yufeng Shen, Mark A. Atkinson, Maigan Brusko, Todd M. Brusko, Andrew J. Yates, Peter A. Sims, Donna L. Farber
Summary: The study found that memory T cells in infants and young children preferentially localized in the intestines and lungs and accumulated more rapidly in mucosal sites, exhibiting distinct functional capacities and stem-like transcriptional profiles. As children grow older, these cells progressively adopt proinflammatory functions and tissue-resident signatures.
Article
Ophthalmology
Sarah B. Zwingelberg, Frederike Buescher, Silvia Schrittenlocher, Alexander C. Rokohl, Niklas Loreck, Philomena Wawer-Matos, Anne Fassin, Friederike Schaub, Sigrid Roters, Mario Matthaei, Ludwig M. Heindl, Bjorn O. Bachmann, Claus Cursiefen
Summary: This study compares the long-term outcome of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK). The results suggest that visual acuity after DMEK is comparable in PBK and FECD patients during long-term follow-up, but corneal edema recurs faster in PBK patients.
Review
Ophthalmology
Annie Xia, Tina Dietrich-Ntoukas, Uwe Pleyer
Summary: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the experience of using anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) agents in five patients with Mooren's ulcer who were unresponsive to conventional treatment. The results showed that anti-TNF treatment effectively relieved symptoms and stopped corneal melting without adverse effects. These findings suggest that anti-TNF agents are a viable treatment option for Mooren's ulcer that does not respond to conventional therapy, providing new insights for future management.
OCULAR IMMUNOLOGY AND INFLAMMATION
(2023)
Article
Biology
Thomas Volatier, Bjorn Schumacher, Claus Cursiefen, Maria Notara
Summary: The aim of this study was to document and compare the similarities and differences between the skin and the eye in terms of their protection mechanisms against ultraviolet radiation. The study found that the cornea, lacking the protective pigmentation of the skin, primarily relies on nucleotide excision repair to remove UV-induced DNA lesions. However, the mechanisms involved in the clearance of damaged material in the eye are poorly understood.
Article
Ophthalmology
Jeany Q. Li, Alexander C. Rokohl, Katharina Puetz, Alexander Haendel, Ludwig M. Heindl, Claus Cursiefen
ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Verena Schoeneberger, Somaie Eberhardt, Leonie Menghesha, Philip Enders, Claus Cursiefen, Friederike Schaub
Summary: This study investigated the association between anatomical features of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and the extent of blood-aqueous barrier disorder. The results showed that lens status and the extent of retinal detachment can influence the level of objective tyndallometry in RRD.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Uta Gehlsen, Christiane Faust, Christiane Blecha, Tina Dietrich-Ntoukas, Philipp Eberwein, Susanne Issleib, Tobias Meyer-ter-Vehn, Regine Braun, Henrike Westekemper, Philipp Steven
Summary: This study evaluated the outcome of phacoemulsification in patients with chronic oGVHD. It found that the surgery significantly improved visual acuity, but also increased the risk of complications such as corneal epitheliopathy and corneal perforations.
GRAEFES ARCHIVE FOR CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Orlando Oezer, Mert Mestanoglu, Antonia Howaldt, Thomas Clahsen, Petra Schiller, Sebastian Siebelmann, Niklas Reinking, Claus Cursiefen, Bjoern Bachmann, Mario Matthaei
Summary: This study investigated the association of central subendothelial geographic deposits (FL) with edema formation in advanced Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) and analyzed their localization. The results showed that the FL was associated with increased corneal thickness primarily in the central and inferotemporal region. These findings provide important information for the evaluation and treatment decision-making for FECD patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Tina Dietrich-Ntoukas
Summary: Blepharitis is a common inflammatory condition of the lids that can affect both adults and children. The causes of chronic blepharitis are not fully understood, but it is believed to be multifactorial and include systemic diseases, bacterial infections, and inflammatory changes. Therapeutic strategies for blepharitis include warm compresses, lid hygiene, lubricants, topical and systemic anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics. However, evidence for these treatments is generally low and patients often develop resistance.
KLINISCHE MONATSBLATTER FUR AUGENHEILKUNDE
(2022)
Review
Ophthalmology
Anna-Karina B. Maier, Jonas Milek, Antonia M. Joussen, Tina Dietrich-Ntoukas, Gregor Lichtner
Summary: This study compared the efficacy and safety of ultra-thin Descemet stripping (automated) endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DS(A)EK) versus Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) for the treatment of Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (FED) and bullous keratopathy (BK). The results showed that BCVA was better after DMEK compared to UT-DS(A)EK, but there was a higher rate of re-bubbling after DMEK.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Anna-Karina B. Maier, Daniel Pilger, Enken Gundlach, Sibylle Winterhalter, Necip Torun, Tina Dietrich-Ntoukas
Summary: This retrospective study evaluated the outcomes of DMEK in eyes with pre-existing glaucoma. The results showed a high risk of postoperative complications, particularly in cases of previous filtrating surgery and DMEK after graft failure.
GRAEFES ARCHIVE FOR CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Ophthalmology
Anna-Karina B. Maier, Jonas Milek, Antonia M. Joussen, Tina Dietrich-Ntoukas, Gregor Lichtner
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Verena Schoeneberger, Leonie Menghesha, Stefanie Gerlach, Caroline Gietzelt, Somaie Eberhardt, Claus Cursiefen, Friederike Schaub
Summary: This study investigated the association between lens opacity and flare value in a large cohort of phakic eyes, and found that lens status, degree of lens opacity, and age are correlated with objective tyndallometry measurements.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Thomas Volatier, Bjoern Schumacher, Berbang Meshko, Karina Hadrian, Claus Cursiefen, Maria Notara
Summary: Ultraviolet light from the sun causes DNA damage, especially to the skin and eyes of humans. Two repair enzymes from the kangaroo rat and an anti-bacterial virus show potential in repairing UV-induced lesions. While research and commercial products exist for skin repair, there is little research and no available products for eye protection. Our study aims to offer new options for protecting the eyes, which are particularly sensitive to UV rays and require rapid repair.
Article
Cell Biology
Berbang Meshko, Thomas L. A. Volatier, Karina Hadrian, Shuya Deng, Yanhong Hou, Mark Andreas Kluth, Christoph Ganss, Markus H. Frank, Natasha Y. Frank, Bruce Ksander, Claus Cursiefen, Maria Notara
Summary: The limbal epithelial stem cell (LESC) marker ABCB5 was used to investigate its role in corneal neovascularization. It was found that ABCB5 caused an increase in limbal lymphatic and blood vessel complexity in developing mice, but not in adult mice. Furthermore, in an inflammatory challenge, ABCB5 had a pro-lymphangiogenic effect. In addition, ABCB5-positive cells stimulated blood and lymphatic endothelial cell proliferation and migration, and had both pro-(lymph) angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.
