Article
Urology & Nephrology
Tobias F. Koyro, Emma Kraus, Sebastian Lunemann, Angelique Hoelzemer, Sonia Wulf, Johannes Jung, Pia Fittje, Florian Henseling, Christian Koerner, Tobias B. Huber, Adam Grundhoff, Thorsten Wiech, Ulf Panzer, Nicole Fischer, Marcus Altfeld
Summary: A recent study found that the activating natural killer cell receptor KIR3DS1 plays a protective role in controlling BK polyomavirus infection in the kidney, by regulating the interaction between HLA-F and KIR3DS1 to control disease progression, providing a rationale for exploring immunotherapeutic approaches for BK polyomavirus-associated nephropathy.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Xianfeng Zhou, Chunlong Zhu, Hui Li
Summary: This article reviews the mechanisms of BKV latency and reactivation, as well as the relationship between BKV and urologic tumors. The potential tumorigenesis of BKV in head and neck cancer and urologic cancer is discussed in depth, along with its infectious role in HIV-associated salivary gland disease.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Linbo Zhao, Michael J. Imperiale
Summary: BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a widespread virus infecting a large portion of the global population, with the potential to cause severe disease in immunosuppressed individuals. Researchers have successfully established an in vitro model of BKPyV persistence, showing that the virus can persist for varying periods before undergoing random genome recombination which enhances its replication ability.
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Waseem Albasha, Golnaz Vahdani, Ankita Ashoka, Erika Bracamonte, Amy A. Yau
Summary: BK virus nephropathy, classically described in renal allografts, is increasingly recognized in native kidneys of non-renal solid organ transplants. This article discusses a 68-year-old woman with a history of bilateral lung transplant who was diagnosed with BK virus nephropathy. Despite treatment with reduced immunosuppression and intravenous cidofovir, the patient's clinical parameters did not improve. The challenges of screening and management in lung transplant recipients with polyoma virus nephropathy are also reviewed.
CLINICAL KIDNEY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Marie N. Sorin, Antonio Di Maio, Lisete M. Silva, Domenic Ebert, Clement P. Delannoy, Ngoc-Khan Nguyen, Yann Guerardel, Wengang Chai, Franck Halary, Karine Renaudin-Autain, Yan Liu, Celine Bressollette-Bodin, Thilo Stehle, Dorian McIlroy
Summary: This study characterizes the impact of naturally occurring VP1 mutations on ganglioside binding, VP1 protein structure, and virus tropism in BK polyomavirus (BKPyV). Mutants E73Q, E73A, and A72V-E73Q-E82Q (VQQ) retain sialic acid-dependent infectious entry and bind to a-series gangliosides, including GD1a. However, E73A and VQQ mutants lose the ability to infect ganglioside-complemented cells, and this correlates with a BC2 loop shift in their crystal structures. The K69N mutation in the K69N-E82Q variant inhibits sialic acid binding but retains significant infectivity in 293TT cells, suggesting the existence of an unknown sialic acid-independent entry receptor for BKPyV.
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Evert Cleenders, Priyanka Koshy, Elisabet Van Loon, Katrien Lagrou, Kurt Beuselinck, Graciela Andrei, Marta Crespo, Katrien De Vusser, Dirk Kuypers, Evelyne Lerut, Kris Mertens, Olga Mineeva-Sangwo, Parmjeet Randhawa, Aleksandar Senev, Robert Snoeck, Ben Sprangers, Claire Tinel, Amaryllis Van Craenenbroeck, Jan van den Brand, Marc Van Ranst, Geert Verbeke, Maarten Coemans, Maarten Naesens
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the value of performing a biopsy at the time of BKPyV-DNAemia in distinguishing presumptive and proven PyVAN. The results showed that plasma viral load had good predictive value for SV40 positivity, while the dichotomy of SV40 immunohistochemistry did not predict viral clearance. Therefore, the distinction between presumptive and proven PyVAN based on SV40 immunohistochemistry has limited clinical value.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Kaitlin Nguyen, Adam Diamond, Antonio Di Carlo, Sunil Karhadkar
Summary: Retransplantation following BKVN-associated graft failure has been associated with favorable outcomes, and to maximize allograft lifespan in retransplantation, clinicians may consider selection of low KDPI donors, prevention of delayed graft function, and tailored immunosuppressive regimens that minimize steroids.
JOURNAL OF SURGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Veronica Bordoni, Giulia Matusali, Davide Mariotti, Manuela Antonioli, Eleonora Cimini, Alessandra Sacchi, Eleonora Tartaglia, Rita Casetti, Germana Grassi, Stefania Notari, Concetta Castilletti, Gian Maria Fimia, Maria Rosaria Capobianchi, Giuseppe Ippolito, Chiara Agrati
Summary: This study examines the cross-talk between immune cells and the respiratory tract during SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results show that while immune cells cannot inhibit the replication of the virus, they strongly affect the inflammatory profile induced by the infection. The frequency of NK and γδT cells is negatively correlated with the production of immunoregulatory/inflammatory signals, while CD8 T cells are positively correlated.
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Fatemeh Nili, Maliheh Mohammadhoseini, Seyed Mohammadreza Khatami, Golnar Seirafi, Majidreza Haghzare
Summary: Early diagnosis and treatment of Polyomavirus BK Nephropathy (PVBKN) is challenging in kidney transplantation patients. Histopathologic diagnosis is the gold standard, but immunohistochemistry (IHC) can enhance diagnostic sensitivity for early detection. Routine IHC study for SV40 in transplanted kidney biopsy samples with new onset dysfunction will improve detection of early stage PVBKN.
Article
Virology
Yi-Jung Li, Hsin-Hsu Wu, Cheng-Hsu Chen, Hsu-Han Wang, Yang-Jen Chiang, Hsiang-Hao Hsu, See-Tong Pang, Robert Y. L. Wang, Ya-Chung Tian
Summary: The study demonstrates that BKPyVAN patients have increased risk of allograft losses, higher incidence of UTC, lower cancer-free survival rate, and earlier onset of UTC compared to non-BKPyVAN patients.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Haris Omic, Johannes Phillip Klaeger, Harald Herkner, Stephan W. Aberle, Heinz Regele, Lukas Weseslindtner, Tarek Arno Schrag, Gregor Bond, Katharina Hohenstein, Bruno Watschinger, Johannes Werzowa, Robert Strassl, Michael Eder, Zeljko Kikic
Summary: This study shows that the decrease in absolute BK viral load is an independent risk factor for graft loss, indicating its importance in predicting short-term graft survival.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Virology
Chia-Lin Shen, Bo-Sheng Wu, Tse-Jen Lien, An-Hang Yang, Chih-Yu Yang
Summary: BK polyomavirus nephropathy (BKVN) and allograft rejection are two closely-associated diseases in kidney transplant recipients, requiring a balanced immune system for treatment. While there is currently no standard curative therapy, patient outcomes can be improved through screening and reduction of immunosuppressants. New biomarkers and cellular therapy are being developed for the diagnosis and treatment of BKVN.
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Margherita Borriello, Diego Ingrosso, Alessandra Fortunata Perna, Angela Lombardi, Paolo Maggi, Lucia Altucci, Michele Caraglia
Summary: Poliomavirus BK virus (BKV) is a highly infective virus that can cause asymptomatic infections. In renal transplanted recipients, BKV can lead to severe complications. Current treatments and prophylaxis options are limited, but increasing surveillance and early diagnosis show promise in improving outcomes.
Article
Virology
Wei Zou, Michael J. Imperiale
Summary: BK polyomavirus is a virus that establishes a lifelong infection in most people. In transplant recipients with suppressed immune systems, uncontrolled virus replication can cause severe disease. The small T antigen of BK polyomavirus plays important roles in regulating viral replication, the innate immune response, apoptosis, and transformation.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Jolanta Kowalewska, Ismail El Moudden, Agnieszka Perkowska-Ptasinska, Meghan E. Kapp, Agnes B. Fogo, Mercury Y. Lin, Alamgir Mirza, Dean A. Troyer, Magdalena Durlik, Rana Sandhu, Michal Ciszek, Dominika Deborska-Materkowska, Daniel Kuczynski, Thomas R. McCune
Summary: The proposed classification of PyVAN did not effectively stratify patients according to risk, especially with no significant difference between classes 1 and 2. Additionally, timing post-transplantation and inflammation in areas of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy may contribute to unfavorable allograft outcomes in patients with PyVAN.
TRANSPLANT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Tazio Maleitzke, Petra Reinke, Alison N. Agres, Sonia A. Alves, Levent Akyuz, Florian N. Fleckenstein, Anna Bichmann, Racheli Ofir, Carsten Perka, Georg N. Duda, Tobias Winkler
Summary: In this case report, we demonstrate a successful treatment of a chronic quadriceps tendon rupture (QTR) using a synergistic surgical and biological reconstructive approach. The addition of PLX-PAD cells as a local treatment option may be considered in specific cases of chronic QTRs that are not suitable for traditional surgical procedures and have a high risk of treatment failure.
JOURNAL OF CACHEXIA SARCOPENIA AND MUSCLE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Felix S. Seibert, Arturo Blazquez-Navarro, Bodo Hoelzer, Adrian A. N. Doevelaar, Christian Nusshag, Uta Merle, Christian Morath, Panagiota Zgoura, Rita Dittmer, Sonja Schneppenheim, Jochen Wilhelm, Nina Babel, Ulrich Budde, Timm H. Westhoff
Summary: Ubiquitous microthromboses in the pulmonary vasculature play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Plasma exchange (PLEX) therapy can restore the balance between vWf and ADAMTS13, reduce inflammation, and improve ventilation parameters.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Frederic Bauer, Janine Lindtke, Felix Seibert, Benjamin Rohn, Adrian Doevelaar, Nina Babel, Peter Schlattmann, Sebastian Bertram, Panagiota Zgoura, Timm H. Westhoff
Summary: The study found that high temperatures are associated with fewer hospital admissions for hypertensive episodes. However, acutely changing weather conditions are not associated with a higher risk of hypertensive emergencies.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Lena Peter, Desiree Jacqueline Wendering, Stephan Schlickeiser, Henrike Hoffmann, Rebecca Noster, Dimitrios Laurin Wagner, Ghazaleh Zarrinrad, Sandra Muench, Samira Picht, Sarah Schulenberg, Hanieh Moradian, Mir-Farzin Mashreghi, Oliver Klein, Manfred Gossen, Toralf Roch, Nina Babel, Petra Reinke, Hans-Dieter Volk, Leila Amini, Michael Schmueck-Henneresse
Summary: Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients with compromised immune response are at high risk of severe COVID-19. This research proposes the adoptive transfer of tacrolimus-resistant SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells to enhance immune response in immunosuppressed patients. Promising results from laboratory analysis support the potential clinical validation of this approach in transplantation. The combinatory use of tacrolimus and tacrolimus-resistant T cells is suggested to prevent immunopathology and facilitate viral clearance in severe COVID-19 cases.
MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Martin Wolf, Rodolphe W. Poupardin, Patricia Ebner-Peking, Andre Cronemberger Andrade, Constantin Bloechl, Astrid Obermayer, Fausto Gueths Gomes, Balazs Vari, Nicole Maeding, Essi Eminger, Heide-Marie Binder, Anna M. Raninger, Sarah Hochmann, Gabriele Brachtl, Andreas Spittler, Thomas Heuser, Racheli Ofir, Christian G. Huber, Zami Aberman, Katharina Schallmoser, Hans-Dieter Volk, Dirk Strunk
Summary: Nanoparticles derived from therapy-grade human placental-expanded stromal cells are surrounded by a protein corona, which improves skin regeneration and angiogenesis and induces differential signaling in immune cells.
JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Arturo Blazquez-Navarro, Chris Bauer, Nicole Wittenbrink, Kerstin Wolk, Robert Sabat, Chantip Dang-Heine, Sindy Neumann, Toralf Roch, Patrizia Wehler, Rodrigo Blazquez-Navarro, Sven Olek, Oliver Thomusch, Harald Seitz, Petra Reinke, Christian Hugo, Birgit Sawitzki, Nina Babel, Michal Or-Guil
Summary: The purpose of this study was to establish an early predictor for long-term outcomes after renal transplantation. By analyzing a large cohort with multi-level bio-marker panels, machine learning-assisted prediction achieved significant correlation coefficients with measured eGFR-1y. These findings contribute to the prediction of transplant outcomes and improvement of post-transplant renal function.
CURRENT RESEARCH IN TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Constantin J. Thieme, Malissa Schulz, Patrizia Wehler, Moritz Anft, Leila Amini, Arturo Blazquez-Navarro, Ulrik Stervbo, Jochen Hecht, Mikalai Nienen, Anna -Barbara Stittrich, Mira Choi, Panagiota Zgoura, Richard Viebahn, Michael Schmueck-Henneresse, Petra Reinke, Timm H. Westhoff, Toralf Roch, Nina Babel
Summary: Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder is a severe complication of immunosuppression following transplantation. This study investigated the impact of different immunosuppressants on EBV-antigen-specific T cells and lymphoblastoid cell lines. The results showed that rapamycin and mycophenolic acid inhibited lymphoblastoid cell-line proliferation, prednisolone and rapamycin-treated T cells exhibited normal cytokine production, and tacrolimus and cyclosporin A suppressed T-cell function.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
C. Kedor, H. Freitag, L. Meyer-Arndt, K. Wittke, L. G. Hanitsch, T. Zoller, F. Steinbeis, M. Haffke, G. Rudolf, B. Heidecker, T. Bobbert, J. Spranger, H. D. Volk, C. Skurk, F. Konietschke, F. Paul, U. Behrends, J. Bellmann-Strobl, C. Scheibenbogen
Summary: Some COVID-19 patients experience long-lasting symptoms, such as fatigue and exertion intolerance, even after recovery. These symptoms are similar to those seen in non-COVID-19 patients and may be related to low-level inflammation and hypoperfusion.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Allergy
Robert Sabat, Deimante Simaite, Johann Eli Gudjonsson, Theresa-Charlotte Brembach, Katrin Witte, Torben Krause, Georgios Kokolakis, Eckart Bartnik, Christos Nikolaou, Natascha Rill, Bema Coulibaly, Clement Levin, Matthias Herrmann, Gabriela Salinas, Thomas Leeuw, Hans-Dieter Volk, Kamran Ghoreschi, Kerstin Wolk
Summary: This study aimed to characterize mediators that support B/plasma cell persistence in Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory disease. The results showed that levels of B/plasma cells, neutrophils, CD81 T cells, and M0 and M1 macrophages were elevated in HS lesions compared to healthy skin. It was found that BAFF, produced by myeloid cells, played a key role in supporting B/plasma cell persistence and function in HS lesions.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Sophie Van Linthout, Hans-Dieter Volk
Summary: This review discusses the immunological aspects connecting cancer and cardiovascular disease, and the opportunities and challenges of integrating immunotherapies and anti-inflammatory therapies in both diseases. It also discusses the use of advanced therapies like chimeric antigen receptor T cells to address the burden of cancer and cardiovascular disease. The review emphasizes the importance of using biomarkers to guide therapeutic interventions in cardiology.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Urology & Nephrology
Arturo Blazquez-Navarro, Lisa Mittmann, Constantin Joachim Thieme, Moritz Anft, Krystallenia Paniskaki, Adrian Doevelaar, Felix Sebastian Seibert, Bodo Hoelzer, Margarete Justine Konik, Marc Moritz Berger, Thorsten Brenner, Clemens Tempfer, Carsten Watzl, Toni Luise Meister, Stephanie Pfaender, Eike Steinmann, Sebastian Dolff, Ulf Dittmer, Oliver Witzke, Ulrik Stervbo, Toralf Roch, Michal Or-Guil, Timm Henning Westhoff, Nina Babel
JOURNAL OF NEPHROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christian H. Bucher, Julia C. Berkmann, Lisa-Marie Burkhardt, Carolin Paschke, Claudia Schlundt, Annemarie Lang, Angelique Wolter, Alexandra Damerau, Sven Geissler, Hans-Dieter Volk, Georg N. Duda, Katharina Schmidt-Bleek
Summary: Neutralizing immune protein could rejuvenate delayed bone fracture healing in elderly patients by reducing inflammatory responses. This study reveals the impact of immune profile on healing process and the role of interleukin-22 in delayed healing. Neutralizing IL-22 may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for accelerating healing in individuals with advanced immune experiences.
EXPERIMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Surgery
Panagiota Zgoura, Adrian Doevelaar, Benjamin Rohn, Felix S. Seibert, Maximilian Seidel, Falko Markus Heinemann, Nina Pillokeit, Richard Viebahn, Nina Babel, Timm H. Westhoff
Summary: Keeping a kidney graft in situ after returning to dialysis does not lead to an increase in microinflammation. Although more than 50% of patients develop DSA after an allograft nephrectomy, the outcome of a renal re-transplantation seems to be unaffected.
ANNALS OF TRANSPLANTATION
(2022)
Article
Orthopedics
T. Winkler, M. L. Costa, R. Ofir, O. Parolini, S. Geissler, H-D Volk, C. Eder
Summary: The HIPGEN consortium aims to develop a cell therapy product for hip fracture patients using PLacental-eXpanded (PLX-PAD) stromal cells. The multicentre, multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involves 240 patients aged 60 to 90 years. The study evaluates the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of intramuscular PLX-PAD administration for the treatment of muscle injury following arthroplasty for hip fracture.
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Sonja Rieckmann, Felix S. Seibert, Maximilian Hogeweg, Sebastian Bertram, Adrian A. N. Doevelaar, Kerstin Amann, Nina Babel, Timm H. Westhoff
JOURNAL OF NEPHROLOGY
(2022)