@phdthesis{Buechner2023,
  author    = {B{\"u}chner, Lotte},
  title     = {Charakterisierung der CD4+- und CD8+-T-Zell-Immunantwort nach Myokardinfarkt im Mausmodell},
  doi       = {10.25972/OPUS-32053},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-320530},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2023},
  abstract  = {Die Rolle des Immunsystems nach MI hat innerhalb der letzten Jahrzehnte immer mehr Aufmerksamkeit erfahren, trotzdem herrschen weiterhin einige Unklarheiten. Daher war es Ziel dieser Arbeit, das Verhalten der T-Zellen nach MI im Mausmodell n{\"a}her zu betrachten und zu analysieren. Daf{\"u}r wurde einerseits mittels Durchflusszytometrie die T-Zell-Immunantwort im Herzen und in verschiedenen lymphatischen Organen mit Fokus auf pro- und antiinflammatorische Zytokine und deren Transkriptionsfaktoren genauer analysiert und andererseits ein Protokoll etabliert, um die T-Zellen im Herzen und in den Lymphknoten mittels Lichtblattmikroskopie sichtbar zu machen. Dabei konnte festgestellt werden, dass die Expression von LAP, welches nicht-kovalent an das antiinflammatorische Zytokin TGF-ß1 gebunden ist und das wichtig f{\"u}r eine ausgeglichene Immunantwort ist, indem es {\"u}berschießende Entz{\"u}ndungsreaktionen verhindert, in T-Zellen im Herzen nach MI im Vergleich zu naiven und scheinoperierten M{\"a}usen signifikant hochreguliert war. Dieses Ergebnis konnte nur im Herzen und in keinem anderen der untersuchten Organe erzielt werden, weshalb es sich somit um eine lokale Immunreaktion handeln muss, die nur im Herzen nach MI stattfindet. Eine weitere Besonderheit war, dass die H{\"a}ufigkeit des Vorkommens an Foxp3+ Treg im Herzen im Vergleich zu den anderen untersuchten Organen durchgehend am h{\"o}chsten war, sowohl bei den M{\"a}usen nach MI als auch bei naiven und scheinoperierten M{\"a}usen. Dies unterstreicht, dass Foxp3+ Treg im Herzen eine wichtige Rolle spielen. Dank der Verbesserung des Protokolls zur bildlichen Darstellung von T-Zellen im Herzen konnte gezeigt werden, dass sich diese nach MI insbesondere im Infarktgewebe befinden und dort relativ gleichm{\"a}ßig verteilt sind. Außerdem konnten die mediastinalen Lymphknoten im Ganzen dargestellt und die einzelnen T-Zellen sichtbar gemacht werden. Insgesamt l{\"a}sst sich sagen, dass durch die vorliegende Arbeit neue Erkenntnisse zur Charakterisierung der T-Zell-Immunantwort nach MI im Mausmodell hinzugewonnen werden konnten. Die LAP+ T-Zellen scheinen nach MI im Herzen eine wichtige Rolle zu spielen, weshalb die Funktion dieser Zellen im Reparaturprozess nach MI in zuk{\"u}nftigen Versuchen genauer betrachtet werden sollte. Außerdem wurde der Grundstein zur Anf{\"a}rbung und Darstellung von T-Zellen in Herzen und in Lymphknoten mittels Lichtblattmikroskopie gelegt, weshalb daran weitergearbeitet werden sollte, um auch andere Immunzellen neben den T-Zellen zeigen zu k{\"o}nnen. Dadurch k{\"o}nnen weitere Hinweise auf das Zusammenspiel der Immunzellen nach MI erhalten werden, um die immunologischen Vorg{\"a}nge immer besser verstehen zu k{\"o}nnen.},
  subject      = {Herzinfarkt},
  language  = {de}
}
@phdthesis{Zoran2022,
  author    = {Zoran, Tamara},
  title     = {Multilevel analysis of the human immune response to \(Aspergillus\) \(fumigatus\) infection: Characteristic molecular signatures and individual risk factors},
  doi       = {10.25972/OPUS-29851},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-298512},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {Although the field of fungal infections advanced tremendously, diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in immunocompromised patients continues to be a challenge. Since IPA is a multifactorial disease, investigation from different aspects may provide new insights, helpful for improving IPA diagnosis. This work aimed to characterize the human immune response to Aspergillus fumigatus in a multilevel manner to identify characteristic molecular candidates and risk factors indicating IPA, which may in the future support already established diagnostic assays. We combined in vitro studies using myeloid cells infected with A. fumigatus and longitudinal case-control studies investigating patients post allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) suffering from IPA and their match controls. Characteristic miRNA and mRNA signatures indicating A. fumigatus-infected monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) demonstrated the potential to differentiate between A. fumigatus and Escherichia coli infection. Transcriptome and protein profiling of alloSCT patients suffering from IPA and their matched controls revealed a distinctive IPA signature consisting of MMP1 induction and LGAL2 repression in combination with elevated IL-8 and caspase-3 levels. Both, in vitro and case-control studies, suggested cytokines, matrix-metallopeptidases and galectins are important in the immune response to A. fumigatus. Identified IPA characteristic molecular candidates are involved in numerous processes, thus a combination of these in a distinctive signature may increase the specificity. Finally, low monocyte counts, severe GvHD of the gut (grade ≥ 2) and etanercept administration were significantly associated with IPA diagnosis post alloSCT. Etanercept in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) infected with A. fumigatus downregulates genes involved in the NF-κB and TNF-α pathway and affects the secretion of CXCL10. Taken together, identified characteristic molecular signatures and risk factors indicating IPA may in the future in combination with established fungal biomarkers overcome current diagnostic challenges and help to establish tailored antifungal therapy. Therefore, further multicentre studies are encouraged to evaluate reported findings.},
  subject      = {Aspergillus fumigatus},
  language  = {en}
}
@phdthesis{Katz2022,
  author    = {Katz, Beverly Vanessa},
  title     = {Rolle der gammadelta T-Zellen in der Immunantwort bei Patienten mit gastrointestinalen Tumoren},
  doi       = {10.25972/OPUS-29014},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-290140},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {Zusammenfassend konnte im Rahmen der vorliegenden Arbeit die Frage nach der F{\"a}higkeit der selektiven Stimulierung mittels des Phosphorantigens HMBPP und den beiden BTN3 Antik{\"o}rpern best{\"a}tigt werden. Es konnte zudem wie erwartet hierbei ein Unterschied zwischen den beiden Kohorten detektiert werden. Dabei zeigte die Kohorte der Normalspender erwartungsgem{\"a}ß eine st{\"a}rkere Aktivierungs- sowie Proliferations-f{\"a}higkeit. Normalspender ließen sich signifikant besser mit HMBPP aktivieren und bei bestimmter Konzentration signifikant besser proliferieren, bei BTN3A und sc20.1 konnten keine signifikanten Unterschiede ermittelt werden, allerdings anhand der Mittelwerte eine deutlich st{\"a}rkere Aktivierung und Proliferation aufgezeigt werden. Außerdem konnten interessante interindividuelle Unterschiede detektiert werden, die neue Erkenntnisse brachten. Mit Hilfe der untersuchten Oberfl{\"a}chenmolek{\"u}le CD45RA und CD27 und der Einteilung der gammadelta T-Zellen in unterschiedliche Subgruppen konnten so m{\"o}gliche Erkl{\"a}rungen f{\"u}r die Unterschiede zwischen den Kohorten aufgezeigt werden. Normalspender zeigten signifikant h{\"o}here Anteile an naiven gammadelta T-Zellen und nicht signifikant h{\"o}here Anteile an central memory T-Zellen, demnach eine deutliche Verschiebung in Richtung nicht differenzierter Subsets, wohingegen die Tumorkohorte signifikant h{\"o}here effector memory T-Zellen aufwiesen und somit eine deutliche Verschiebung in Richtung differenzierter Subsets. Dadurch kann erkl{\"a}rt werden, weshalb Normalspender besser aktiviert werden und besser proliferieren k{\"o}nnen. Auch die Einteilung in unterschiedliche Profile 1-6 anhand CD28, CD27 und CD16 lieferte Gr{\"u}nde f{\"u}r den Unterschied zwischen den Kohorten, wobei Normalspender der Gruppe 1 und 2, Tumorpatienten der Gruppe 3 und 4 angeh{\"o}rten. Durch Ermittlung weiterer signifikanter {\"A}nderungen einiger exprimierter Oberfl{\"a}chenmolek{\"u}le CD39, CD161 und PD1 wurde mit Hilfe der vorliegenden Arbeit bekr{\"a}ftigt, dass einige Faktoren betrachtet werden m{\"u}ssen, die die Proliferation und Aktivierung der gammadelta T-Zellen positiv und negativ beeinflussen k{\"o}nnen. Es konnte jedoch auch erneut verdeutlicht werden, wie komplex und weitgreifend der Aktivierungsmechanismus, die damit verbundene Expansion und die Ausl{\"o}sung der einzelnen Effektorfunktionen ist.},
  subject      = {T-Lymphozyt},
  language  = {de}
}
@article{DoghmanBouguerraFinettiDurandetal.2020,
  author    = {Doghman-Bouguerra, Mabrouka and Finetti, Pascal and Durand, Nelly and Parise, Ivy Zort{\´e}a S. and Sbiera, Silviu and Cantini, Giulia and Canu, Letizia and Hescot, S{\´e}gol{\`e}ne and Figueiredo, Mirna M. O. and Komechen, Heloisa and Sbiera, Iuliu and Nesi, Gabriella and Paci, Angelo and Al Ghuzlan, Abir and Birnbaum, Daniel and Baudin, Eric and Luconi, Michaela and Fassnacht, Martin and Figueiredo, Bonald C. and Bertucci, Fran{\c{c}}ois and Lalli, Enzo},
  title     = {Cancer-testis antigen FATE1 expression in adrenocortical tumors is associated with a pervasive autoimmune response and is a marker of malignancy in adult, but not children, ACC},
  series = {Cancers},
  volume    = {12},
  journal   = {Cancers},
  number    = {3},
  issn      = {2072-6694},
  doi       = {10.3390/cancers12030689},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-203211},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {The SF-1 transcription factor target gene FATE1 encodes a cancer-testis antigen that has an important role in regulating apoptosis and response to chemotherapy in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) cells. Autoantibodies directed against FATE1 were previously detected in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of circulating anti-FATE1 antibodies in pediatric and adult patients with adrenocortical tumors using three different methods (immunofluorescence, ELISA and Western blot). Our results show that a pervasive anti-FATE1 immune response is present in those patients. Furthermore, FATE1 expression is a robust prognostic indicator in adult patients with ACC and is associated with increased steroidogenic and decreased immune response gene expression. These data can open perspectives for novel strategies in ACC immunotherapy.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{NotzSchmalzingWedekinketal.2020,
  author    = {Notz, Quirin and Schmalzing, Marc and Wedekink, Florian and Schlesinger, Tobias and Gernert, Michael and Herrmann, Johannes and Sorger, Lena and Weismann, Dirk and Schmid, Benedikt and Sitter, Magdalena and Schlegel, Nicolas and Kranke, Peter and Wischhusen, J{\"o}rg and Meybohm, Patrick and Lotz, Christopher},
  title     = {Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Responses in Severe COVID-19-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome—An Observational Pilot Study},
  series = {Frontiers in Immunology},
  volume    = {11},
  journal   = {Frontiers in Immunology},
  issn      = {1664-3224},
  doi       = {10.3389/fimmu.2020.581338},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-212815},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {Objectives The severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is largely determined by the immune response. First studies indicate altered lymphocyte counts and function. However, interactions of pro- and anti-inflammatory mechanisms remain elusive. In the current study we characterized the immune responses in patients suffering from severe COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods This was a single-center retrospective study in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with confirmed COVID-19 between March 14th and May 28th 2020 (n = 39). Longitudinal data were collected within routine clinical care, including flow-cytometry of lymphocyte subsets, cytokine analysis and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15). Antibody responses against the receptor binding domain (RBD) of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Spike protein were analyzed. Results All patients suffered from severe ARDS, 30.8\% died. Interleukin (IL)-6 was massively elevated at every time-point. The anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was concomitantly upregulated with IL-6. The cellular response was characterized by lymphocytopenia with low counts of CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) and na{\"i}ve T helper cells. CD8+ T and NK cells recovered after 8 to 14 days. The B cell system was largely unimpeded. This coincided with a slight increase in anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike-RBD immunoglobulin (Ig) G and a decrease in anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike-RBD IgM. GDF-15 levels were elevated throughout ICU treatment. Conclusions Massively elevated levels of IL-6 and a delayed cytotoxic immune defense characterized severe COVID-19-induced ARDS. The B cell response and antibody production were largely unimpeded. No obvious imbalance of pro- and anti-inflammatory mechanisms was observed, with elevated GDF-15 levels suggesting increased tissue resilience.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{LueningschroerSlottaHeimannetal.2020,
  author    = {L{\"u}ningschr{\"o}r, Patrick and Slotta, Carsten and Heimann, Peter and Briese, Michael and Weikert, Ulrich M. and Massih, Bita and Appenzeller, Silke and Sendtner, Michael and Kaltschmidt, Christian and Kaltschmidt, Barbara},
  title     = {Absence of Plekhg5 Results in Myelin Infoldings Corresponding to an Impaired Schwann Cell Autophagy, and a Reduced T-Cell Infiltration Into Peripheral Nerves},
  series = {Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience},
  volume    = {14},
  journal   = {Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience},
  issn      = {1662-5102},
  doi       = {10.3389/fncel.2020.00185},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-207538},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {Inflammation and dysregulation of the immune system are hallmarks of several neurodegenerative diseases. An activated immune response is considered to be the cause of myelin breakdown in demyelinating disorders. In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), myelin can be degraded in an autophagy-dependent manner directly by Schwann cells or by macrophages, which are modulated by T-lymphocytes. Here, we show that the NF-κB activator Pleckstrin homology containing family member 5 (Plekhg5) is involved in the regulation of both Schwann cell autophagy and recruitment of T-lymphocytes in peripheral nerves during motoneuron disease. Plekhg5-deficient mice show defective axon/Schwann cell units characterized by myelin infoldings in peripheral nerves. Even at late stages, Plekhg5-deficient mice do not show any signs of demyelination and inflammation. Using RNAseq, we identified a transcriptional signature for an impaired immune response in sciatic nerves, which manifested in a reduced number of CD4\(^+\) and CD8\(^+\) T-cells. These findings identify Plekhg5 as a promising target to impede myelin breakdown in demyelinating PNS disorders.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{GiampaoloWojcikSerflingetal.2017,
  author    = {Giampaolo, Sabrina and W{\´o}jcik, Gabriela and Serfling, Edgar and Patra, Amiya K.},
  title     = {Interleukin-2-regulatory T cell axis critically regulates maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells},
  series = {Oncotarget},
  volume    = {8},
  journal   = {Oncotarget},
  number    = {18},
  doi       = {10.18632/oncotarget.16377},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-170947},
  pages     = {29625-29642},
  year      = {2017},
  abstract  = {The role of IL-2 in HSC maintenance is unknown. Here we show that Il2\(^{-/-}\) mice develop severe anomalies in HSC maintenance leading to defective hematopoiesis. Whereas, lack of IL-2 signaling was detrimental for lympho- and erythropoiesis, myelopoiesis was enhanced in Il2\(^{-/-}\) mice. Investigation of the underlying mechanisms of dysregulated hematopoiesis in Il2\(^{-/-}\) mice shows that the IL-2-T\(_{reg}\) cell axis is indispensable for HSC maintenance and normal hematopoiesis. Lack of T\(_{reg}\) activity resulted in increased IFN-γ production by activated T cells and an expansion of the HSCs in the bone marrow (BM). Though, restoring T\(_{reg}\) population successfully rescued HSC maintenance in Il2\(^{-/-}\) mice, preventing IFN-γ activity could do the same even in the absence of T\(_{reg}\) cells. Our study suggests that equilibrium in IL-2 and IFN-γ activity is critical for steady state hematopoiesis, and in clinical conditions of BM failure, IL-2 or anti-IFN-γ treatment might help to restore hematopoiesis.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{DreschersSauppHornefetal.2016,
  author    = {Dreschers, Stephan and Saupp, Peter and Hornef, Mathias and Prehn, Andrea and Platen, Christopher and Morschh{\"a}user, Joachim and Orlikowsky, Thorsten W.},
  title     = {Reduced PICD in Monocytes Mounts Altered Neonate Immune Response to Candida albicans},
  series = {PLoS ONE},
  volume    = {11},
  journal   = {PLoS ONE},
  number    = {11},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0166648},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-166778},
  pages     = {e0166648},
  year      = {2016},
  abstract  = {Background Invasive fungal infections with Candida albicans (C. albicans) occur frequently in extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants and are associated with poor outcome. Phagocytosis of C.albicans initializes apoptosis in monocytes (phagocytosis induced cell death, PICD). PICD is reduced in neonatal cord blood monocytes (CBMO). Hypothesis Phagocytosis of C. albicans causes PICD which differs between neonatal monocytes (CBMO) and adult peripheral blood monocytes (PBMO) due to lower stimulation of TLR-mediated immune responses. Methods The ability to phagocytose C. albicans, expression of TLRs, the induction of apoptosis (assessment of sub-G1 and nick-strand breaks) were analyzed by FACS. TLR signalling was induced by agonists such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Pam3Cys, FSL-1 and Zymosan and blocked (neutralizing TLR2 antibodies and MYD88 inhibitor). Results Phagocytic indices of PBMO and CBMO were similar. Following stimulation with agonists and C. albicans induced up-regulation of TLR2 and consecutive phosphorylation of MAP kinase P38 and expression of TNF-α, which were stronger on PBMO compared to CBMO (p < 0.005). Downstream, TLR2 signalling initiated caspase-3-dependent PICD which was found reduced in CBMO (p < 0.05 vs PBMO). Conclusion Our data suggest direct involvement of TLR2-signalling in C. albicans-induced PICD in monocytes and an alteration of this pathway in CBMO.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SchmittEckardtSchlegeletal.2015,
  author    = {Schmitt, Jessica and Eckardt, Sigrid and Schlegel, Paul G and Sir{\´e}n, Anna-Leena and Bruttel, Valentin S and McLaughlin, K John and Wischhusen, J{\"o}rg and M{\"u}ller, Albrecht M},
  title     = {Human parthenogenetic embryonic stem cell-derived neural stem cells express HLA-G and show unique resistance to NK cell-mediated killing},
  series = {Molecular Medicine},
  volume    = {21},
  journal   = {Molecular Medicine},
  number    = {2101185},
  doi       = {10.2119/molmed.2014.00188},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-149170},
  pages     = {185-196},
  year      = {2015},
  abstract  = {Parent-of-origin imprints have been implicated in the regulation of neural differentiation and brain development. Previously we have shown that, despite the lack of a paternal genome, human parthenogenetic (PG) embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can form proliferating neural stem cells (NSCs) that are capable of differentiation into physiologically functional neurons while maintaining allele-specific expression of imprinted genes. Since biparental ("normal") hESC-derived NSCs (N NSCs) are targeted by immune cells, we characterized the immunogenicity of PG NSCs. Flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry revealed that both N NSCs and PG NSCs exhibited surface expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I but not HLA-DR molecules. Functional analyses using an in vitro mixed lymphocyte reaction assay resulted in less proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with PG compared with N NSCs. In addition, natural killer (NK) cells cytolyzed PG less than N NSCs. At a molecular level, expression analyses of immune regulatory factors revealed higher HLA-G levels in PG compared with N NSCs. In line with this finding, MIR152, which represses HLA-G expression, is less transcribed in PG compared with N cells. Blockage of HLA-G receptors ILT2 and KIR2DL4 on natural killer cell leukemia (NKL) cells increased cytolysis of PG NSCs. Together this indicates that PG NSCs have unique immunological properties due to elevated HLA-G expression.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{ArdeltEbbingAdamsetal.2015,
  author    = {Ardelt, Peter U. and Ebbing, Jan and Adams, Fabian and Reiss, Cora and Arap, Wadih and Pasqualini, Renata and Bachmann, Alexander and Wetterauer, Ulrich and Riedmiller, Hubertus and Kneitz, Burkard},
  title     = {An anti-ubiquitin antibody response in transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder},
  series = {PLoS ONE},
  volume    = {10},
  journal   = {PLoS ONE},
  number    = {3},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0118646},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-143711},
  pages     = {e0118646},
  year      = {2015},
  abstract  = {Background To use combinatorial epitope mapping ("fingerprinting") of the antibody response to identify targets of the humoral immune response in patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder. Methods A combinatorial random peptide library was screened on the circulating pool of immunoglobulins purified from an index patient with a high risk TCC (pTa high grade plus carcinoma in situ) to identify corresponding target antigens. A patient cohort was investigated for antibody titers against ubiquitin. Results We selected, isolated, and validated an immunogenic peptide motif from ubiquitin as a dominant epitope of the humoral response. Patients with TCC had significantly higher antibody titers against ubiquitin than healthy donors (p<0.007), prostate cancer patients (p<0.0007), and all patients without TCC taken together (p<0.0001). Titers from superficial tumors were not significantly different from muscle invasive tumors (p = 0.0929). For antibody response against ubiquitin, sensitivity for detection of TCC was 0.44, specificity 0.96, positive predictive value 0.96 and negative predictive value 0.41. No significant titer changes were observed during the standard BCG induction immunotherapy. Conclusions This is the first report to demonstrate an anti-ubiquitin antibody response in patients with TCC. Although sensitivity of antibody production was low, a high specificity and positive predictive value make ubiquitin an interesting candidate for further diagnostic and possibly immune modulating studies.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{AzzamiRitterTautzetal.2012,
  author    = {Azzami, Klara and Ritter, Wolfgang and Tautz, J{\"u}rgen and Beier, Hildburg},
  title     = {Infection of honey bees with acute bee paralysis virus does not trigger humoral or cellular immune responses},
  series = {Archives of Virology},
  volume    = {157},
  journal   = {Archives of Virology},
  number    = {4},
  doi       = {10.1007/s00705-012-1223-0},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-126863},
  pages     = {689-702},
  year      = {2012},
  abstract  = {We have studied the responses of honey bees at different life stages (Apis mellifera) to controlled infection with acute bee paralysis virus and have identified the haemolymph of infected larvae and adult worker bees as the compartment where massive propagation of ABPV occurs. Insects respond with a broad spectrum of induced innate immune reactions to bacterial infections, whereas defence mechanisms based on RNA interference play a major role in antiviral immunity. In this study, we have determined that honey bee larvae and adult workers do not produce a humoral immune reaction upon artificial infection with ABPV, in contrast to control individuals challenged with Escherichia coli. ABPV-infected bees produced neither elevated levels of specific antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as hymenoptaecin and defensin, nor any general antimicrobial activity, as revealed by inhibition-zone assays. Additionally, adult bees did not generate melanised nodules upon ABPV infection, an important cellular immune function activated by bacteria and viruses in some insects. Challenge of bees with both ABPV and E. coli showed that innate humoral and cellular immune reactions are induced in mixed infections, albeit at a reduced level.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SchwarzRemerNahrendorfetal.2013,
  author    = {Schwarz, Tobias and Remer, Katharina A. and Nahrendorf, Wiebke and Masic, Anita and Siewe, Lisa and M{\"u}ller, Werner and Roers, Axel and Moll, Heidrun},
  title     = {T Cell-Derived IL-10 Determines Leishmaniasis Disease Outcome and Is Suppressed by a Dendritic Cell Based Vaccine},
  series = {PLoS Pathogens},
  volume    = {9},
  journal   = {PLoS Pathogens},
  number    = {6},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.ppat.1003476},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-130385},
  pages     = {e1003476},
  year      = {2013},
  abstract  = {Abstract In the murine model of Leishmania major infection, resistance or susceptibility to the parasite has been associated with the development of a Th1 or Th2 type of immune response. Recently, however, the immunosuppressive effects of IL-10 have been ascribed a crucial role in the development of the different clinical correlates of Leishmania infection in humans. Since T cells and professional APC are important cellular sources of IL-10, we compared leishmaniasis disease progression in T cell-specific, macrophage/neutrophil-specific and complete IL-10-deficient C57BL/6 as well as T cell-specific and complete IL-10-deficient BALB/c mice. As early as two weeks after infection of these mice with L. major, T cell-specific and complete IL-10-deficient animals showed significantly increased lesion development accompanied by a markedly elevated secretion of IFN-γ or IFN-γ and IL-4 in the lymph nodes draining the lesions of the C57BL/6 or BALB/c mutants, respectively. In contrast, macrophage/neutrophil-specific IL-10-deficient C57BL/6 mice did not show any altered phenotype. During the further course of disease, the T cell-specific as well as the complete IL-10-deficient BALB/c mice were able to control the infection. Furthermore, a dendritic cell-based vaccination against leishmaniasis efficiently suppresses the early secretion of IL-10, thus contributing to the control of parasite spread. Taken together, IL-10 secretion by T cells has an influence on immune activation early after infection and is sufficient to render BALB/c mice susceptible to an uncontrolled Leishmania major infection. Author Summary The clinical symptoms caused by infections with Leishmania parasites range from self-healing cutaneous to uncontrolled visceral disease and depend not only on the parasite species but also on the type of the host's immune response. It is estimated that 350 million people worldwide are at risk, with a global incidence of 1-1.5 million cases of cutaneous and 500,000 cases of visceral leishmaniasis. Murine leishmaniasis is the best-characterized model to elucidate the mechanisms underlying resistance or susceptibility to Leishmania major parasites in vivo. Using T cell-specific and macrophage-specific mutant mice, we demonstrate that abrogating the secretion of the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10 by T cells is sufficient to render otherwise susceptible mice resistant to an infection with the pathogen. The healing phenotype is accompanied by an elevated specific inflammatory immune response very early after infection. We further show that dendritic cell-based vaccination against leishmaniasis suppresses the early secretion of IL-10 following challenge infection. Thus, our study unravels a molecular mechanism critical for host immune defense, aiding in the development of an effective vaccine against leishmaniasis.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{ArndtHoffackerZellmeretal.2014,
  author    = {Arndt, Andreas and Hoffacker, Peter and Zellmer, Konstantin and Goecer, Oktay and Recks, Mascha S. and Kuerten, Stefanie},
  title     = {Conventional Housing Conditions Attenuate the Development of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis},
  series = {PLoS ONE},
  volume    = {9},
  journal   = {PLoS ONE},
  number    = {6},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0099794},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-119603},
  pages     = {e99794},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {BACKGROUND: The etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) has remained unclear, but a causative contribution of factors outside the central nervous system (CNS) is conceivable. It was recently suggested that gut bacteria trigger the activation of CNS-reactive T cells and the development of demyelinative disease. METHODS: C57BL/6 (B6) mice were kept either under specific pathogen free or conventional housing conditions, immunized with the myelin basic protein (MBP)-proteolipid protein (PLP) fusion protein MP4 and the development of EAE was clinically monitored. The germinal center size of the Peyer's patches was determined by immunohistochemistry in addition to the level of total IgG secretion which was assessed by ELISPOT. ELISPOT assays were also used to measure MP4-specific T cell and B cell responses in the Peyer's patches and the spleen. Ear swelling assays were performed to determine the extent of delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions in specific pathogen free and conventionally housed mice. RESULTS: In B6 mice that were actively immunized with MP4 and kept under conventional housing conditions clinical disease was significantly attenuated compared to specific pathogen free mice. Conventionally housed mice displayed increased levels of IgG secretion in the Peyer's patches, while the germinal center formation in the gut and the MP4-specific TH17 response in the spleen were diminished after immunization. Accordingly, these mice displayed an attenuated delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction in ear swelling assays. CONCLUSIONS: The data corroborate the notion that housing conditions play a substantial role in the induction of murine EAE and suggest that the presence of gut bacteria might be associated with a decreased immune response to antigens of lower affinity. This concept could be of importance for MS and calls for caution when considering the therapeutic approach to treat patients with antibiotics."},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{WongWinterHartigetal.2014,
  author    = {Wong, David and Winter, Oliver and Hartig, Christina and Siebels, Svenja and Szyska, Martin and Tiburzy, Benjamin and Meng, Lingzhang and Kulkarni, Upasana and F{\"a}hnrich, Anke and Bommert, Kurt and Bargou, Ralf and Berek, Claudia and Van, Trung Chu and Bogen, Bjarne and Jundt, Franziska and Manz, Rudolf Armin},
  title     = {Eosinophils and Megakaryocytes Support the Early Growth of Murine MOPC315 Myeloma Cells in Their Bone Marrow Niches},
  series = {PLOS ONE},
  volume    = {9},
  journal   = {PLOS ONE},
  number    = {10},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0109018},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-115269},
  pages     = {e109018},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Multiple myeloma is a bone marrow plasma cell tumor which is supported by the external growth factors APRIL and IL-6, among others. Recently, we identified eosinophils and megakaryocytes to be functional components of the micro-environmental niches of benign bone marrow plasma cells and to be important local sources of these cytokines. Here, we investigated whether eosinophils and megakaryocytes also support the growth of tumor plasma cells in the MOPC315. BM model for multiple myeloma. As it was shown for benign plasma cells and multiple myeloma cells, IL-6 and APRIL also supported MOPC315. BM cell growth in vitro, IL-5 had no effect. Depletion of eosinophils in vivo by IL-5 blockade led to a reduction of the early myeloma load. Consistent with this, myeloma growth in early stages was retarded in eosinophil-deficient Delta dblGATA-1 mice. Late myeloma stages were unaffected, possibly due to megakaryocytes compensating for the loss of eosinophils, since megakaryocytes were found to be in contact with myeloma cells in vivo and supported myeloma growth in vitro. We conclude that eosinophils and megakaryocytes in the niches for benign bone marrow plasma cells support the growth of malignant plasma cells. Further investigations are required to test whether perturbation of these niches represents a potential strategy for the treatment of multiple myeloma.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{RonchiSbieraVolanteetal.2014,
  author    = {Ronchi, Cristina L. and Sbiera, Silviu and Volante, Marco and Steinhauer, Sonja and Scott-Wild, Vanessa and Altieri, Barbara and Kroiss, Matthias and Bala, Margarita and Papotti, Mauro and Deutschbein, Timo and Terzolo, Massimo and Fassnacht, Martin and Allolio, Bruno},
  title     = {CYP2W1 Is Highly Expressed in Adrenal Glands and Is Positively Associated with the Response to Mitotane in Adrenocortical Carcinoma},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0105855},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-113096},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Background Adrenocortical tumors comprise frequent adenomas (ACA) and rare carcinomas (ACC). Human cytochrome P450 2W1 (CYP2W1) is highly expressed in some cancers holding the potential to activate certain drugs into tumor cytotoxins. Objective To investigate the CYP2W1 expression in adrenal samples and its relationship with clinical outcome in ACC. Material and Methods CYP2W1 expression was investigated by qRT-PCR in 13 normal adrenal glands, 32 ACA, 25 ACC, and 9 different non-adrenal normal tissue samples and by immunohistochemistry in 352 specimens (23 normal adrenal glands, 33 ACA, 239 ACC, 67 non-adrenal normal or neoplastic samples). Results CYP2W1 mRNA expression was absent/low in normal non-adrenal tissues, but high in normal and neoplastic adrenal glands (all P<0.01 vs non-adrenal normal tissues). Accordingly, CYP2W1 immunoreactivity was absent/low (H-score 0-1) in 72\% of non-adrenal normal tissues, but high (H-score 2-3) in 44\% of non-adrenal cancers, in 65\% of normal adrenal glands, in 62\% of ACAs and in 50\% of ACCs (all P<0.001 vs non-adrenal normal tissues), being significantly increased in steroid-secreting compared to non-secreting tumors. In ACC patients treated with mitotane only, high CYP2W1 immunoreactivity adjusted for ENSAT stage was associated with longer overall survival and time to progression (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively), and with a better response to therapy both as palliative (response/stable disease in 42\% vs 6\%, P<0.01) or adjuvant option (absence of disease recurrence in 69\% vs 45\%, P<0.01). Conclusion CYP2W1 is highly expressed in both normal and neoplastic adrenal glands making it a promising tool for targeted therapy in ACC. Furthermore, CYP2W1 may represent a new predictive marker for the response to mitotane treatment.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{MortonFliesserDittrichetal.2014,
  author    = {Morton, Charles Oliver and Fliesser, Mirjam and Dittrich, Marcus and M{\"u}ller, Tobias and Bauer, Ruth and Kneitz, Susanne and Hope, William and Rogers, Thomas Richard and Einsele, Hermann and L{\"o}ffler, J{\"u}rgen},
  title     = {Gene Expression Profiles of Human Dendritic Cells Interacting with Aspergillus fumigatus in a Bilayer Model of the Alveolar Epithelium/Endothelium Interface},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0098279},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-112893},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {The initial stages of the interaction between the host and Aspergillus fumigatus at the alveolar surface of the human lung are critical in the establishment of aspergillosis. Using an in vitro bilayer model of the alveolus, including both the epithelium (human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line, A549) and endothelium (human pulmonary artery epithelial cells, HPAEC) on transwell membranes, it was possible to closely replicate the in vivo conditions. Two distinct sub-groups of dendritic cells (DC), monocyte-derived DC (moDC) and myeloid DC (mDC), were included in the model to examine immune responses to fungal infection at the alveolar surface. RNA in high quantity and quality was extracted from the cell layers on the transwell membrane to allow gene expression analysis using tailored custom-made microarrays, containing probes for 117 immune-relevant genes. This microarray data indicated minimal induction of immune gene expression in A549 alveolar epithelial cells in response to germ tubes of A. fumigatus. In contrast, the addition of DC to the system greatly increased the number of differentially expressed immune genes. moDC exhibited increased expression of genes including CLEC7A, CD209 and CCL18 in the absence of A. fumigatus compared to mDC. In the presence of A. fumigatus, both DC subgroups exhibited up-regulation of genes identified in previous studies as being associated with the exposure of DC to A. fumigatus and exhibiting chemotactic properties for neutrophils, including CXCL2, CXCL5, CCL20, and IL1B. This model closely approximated the human alveolus allowing for an analysis of the host pathogen interface that complements existing animal models of IA.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{BrehmKomguepNonoLutz2014,
  author    = {Brehm, Klaus and Komguep Nono, Justin and Lutz, Manfred B.},
  title     = {EmTIP, a T-Cell Immunomodulatory Protein Secreted by the Tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis Is Important},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pntd.0002632},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-111407},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Background Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by the metacestode of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, is a lethal zoonosis associated with host immunomodulation. T helper cells are instrumental to control the disease in the host. Whereas Th1 cells can restrict parasite proliferation, Th2 immune responses are associated with parasite proliferation. Although the early phase of host colonization by E. multilocularis is dominated by a potentially parasitocidal Th1 immune response, the molecular basis of this response is unknown. Principal Findings We describe EmTIP, an E. multilocularis homologue of the human T-cell immunomodulatory protein, TIP. By immunohistochemistry we show EmTIP localization to the intercellular space within parasite larvae. Immunoprecipitation and Western blot experiments revealed the presence of EmTIP in the excretory/secretory (E/S) products of parasite primary cell cultures, representing the early developing metacestode, but not in those of mature metacestode vesicles. Using an in vitro T-cell stimulation assay, we found that primary cell E/S products promoted interferon (IFN)-γ release by murine CD4+ T-cells, whereas metacestode E/S products did not. IFN-γ release by T-cells exposed to parasite products was abrogated by an anti-EmTIP antibody. When recombinantly expressed, EmTIP promoted IFN-γ release by CD4+ T-cells in vitro. After incubation with anti-EmTIP antibody, primary cells showed an impaired ability to proliferate and to form metacestode vesicles in vitro. Conclusions We provide for the first time a possible explanation for the early Th1 response observed during E. multilocularis infections. Our data indicate that parasite primary cells release a T-cell immunomodulatory protein, EmTIP, capable of promoting IFN-γ release by CD4+ T-cells, which is probably driving or supporting the onset of the early Th1 response during AE. The impairment of primary cell proliferation and the inhibition of metacestode vesicle formation by anti-EmTIP antibodies suggest that this factor fulfills an important role in early E. multilocularis development within the intermediate host.},
  language  = {en}
}
@phdthesis{Steigerwald2005,
  author    = {Steigerwald, Mario},
  title     = {Die Rolle von dendritischen Zellen und Chemokinen bei der Regulation der Immunantwort gegen Erreger der kutanen Leishmaniose},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-13852},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2005},
  abstract  = {Dendritische Zellen stellen ein essentielles Bindeglied zwischen angeborener und adaptiver Immunit{\"a}t dar. Sie stammen aus dem Knochenmark und bilden ein Netzwerk von heterogenen Zellpopulationen. In peripheren Geweben liegen sie als unreife Zellen mit einem hohen Potential zur Aufnahme und Prozessierung von Mikroorganismen vor. Nach der Aufnahme von eindringenden Mikroorganismen beginnen dendritische Zellen jedoch, sich von einem prozessierenden in ein pr{\"a}sentierendes Stadium zu differenzieren, und wandern zu den sekund{\"a}ren lymphatischen Organen, um dort den na{\"i}ven T-Zellen die mikrobiellen Antigene zu pr{\"a}sentieren. Die gerichtete Wanderung von dendritischen Zellen ist hierbei ein zentraler Bestandteil der immunstimulatorischen und -modulatorischen Funktion dieser Zellen. Eine essentielle Rolle bei diesem Migrationsverhalten spielen chemotaktische Zytokine (Chemokine). Chemokine sind Proteine mit einem niedermolekularen Gewicht (8-10 kDa), welche anhand ihres strukturellen Cysteinmotifs in vier Gruppen unterteilt und entweder als CXC-, CC-, C- und CX3C- Chemokine oder als \&\#945;-, \&\#946;-, \&\#948;- und \&\#947;-Chemokine bezeichnet werden. Arbeiten der eigenen Arbeitsgruppe am Modell der kutanen Leishmaniose haben jedoch gezeigt, dass die Funktion von Chemokinen weitaus mehr umfasst, als lediglich die zielgerichtete Steuerung der Migration immunologisch wichtiger Zellen. So konnte in diesen Studien nicht nur gezeigt werden, dass das Muster der Expression von Chemokinen mit der Schwere des Krankheitsbildes korreliert, sondern auch, dass das Chemokin CCL2/MCP-1 in der Lage ist, einen direkten Einfluss auf die intrazellul{\"a}re Erregerabwehr zu nehmen. Diese Arbeiten bezogen sich jedoch auf humane Hautbiopsien und aus Humanblut isolierten Zellen. Eine detaillierte Analyse des Infektionsverlaufes unter definierten Bedingungen (konstante Infektionsdosis und -art, kontrollierte Infektionsdauer, Verwendung von klonierten Parasiten, einheitlicher genetischer Hintergrund des Wirts) ist bei Patienten jedoch nicht m{\"o}glich. Deshalb wurde die experimentelle Leishmanieninfektion von Inzuchtm{\"a}usen (suszeptible BALB/c- und resistente C57BL/6-M{\"a}use) herangezogen, um die Kinetik der Chemokinexpression und deren Korrelation mit dem Verlauf der kutanen Leishmaniose zu bestimmen. Die Arbeiten dieser Doktorarbeit zeigen erstmals, dass ebenso wie im humanen System bei der experimentellen Leishmaniose in der Maus die F{\"a}higkeit zur Abwehr dieses Erregers mit einer verst{\"a}rkten Expression von CCL2/MCP-1 in der infizierten Haut korreliert. Des Weiteren konnte zwar eine CCL2/MCP-1-induzierte leishmanizide Wirkung in murinen Makrophagen festgestellt werden, ein vergleichbarer Effekt blieb bei Langerhans-Zellen, den dendritischen Zellen der Haut, jedoch aus. Weiterhin sollte der Einfluss einer Leishmanieninfektion auf das CCL2/MCP-1- induzierte Wanderungsverhalten von Langerhans-Zellen untersucht werden, da aus der Literatur bekannt ist, dass das Chemokin CCL2/MCP-1 die Migration dendritischer Zellen induziert. Die Studien der Doktorarbeit ergaben hierbei, dass eine Infektion mit Leishmania major zu einer signifikanten Verminderung der durch CL2/MCP-1 oder CCL3/MIP-1\&\#945; induzierten Migration von Langerhans-Zellen f{\"u}hrt. Eine m{\"o}gliche Ursache f{\"u}r dieses Resultat war hierbei in dem Einfluss einer Infektion mit Leishmanien auf die Expression von Chemokinrezeptoren in dendritischen Zellen zu finden. Anschließende Untersuchungen der mRNA-Expression dieser Rezeptoren konnten diese Vermutung best{\"a}tigen. So wurde nach einer Infektion von dendritischen Zellen mit L. major eine Reduktion der mRNA-Expression der Chemokinrezeptoren CCR2 und CCR5 festgestellt. Anschließende FACS-Analysen und Studien mit Hilfe des konfokalen Lasermikroskops f{\"u}hrten zu einem {\"a}hnlichen Resultat. Interessanterweise bewirkt die Infektion mit L. major andererseits eine Hochregulation der mRNA-Expression von CCR7 in dendritischen Zellen. Von diesem Rezeptor ist bekannt, dass er die Chemokine CCL19/MIP-3\&\#946; und CCL21/6Ckine, welche im Lymphknoten konstitutiv exprimiert werden, mit großer Affinit{\"a}t bindet und f{\"u}r die zielgerichtete Migration dendritischer Zellen in dieses Organ essentiell ist. Weitere Versuche ergaben zudem eine verst{\"a}rkte CXCL10/IP-10-mRNA-Expression in dendritischen Zellen aus L. major-resistenten C57BL/6-M{\"a}usen, welche bei dendritischen Zellen aus BALB/c-M{\"a}usen nicht festgestellt worden ist. Zusammenfassend konnte in dieser Doktorarbeit gezeigt werden, dass eine Infektion dendritischer Zellen mit L. major sowohl bei suszeptiblen als auch bei resistenten M{\"a}usen zu einer Modulation der Expression von Chemokinrezeptoren f{\"u}hrt, die sowohl f{\"u}r die Lokalisation der Zellen in den entz{\"u}ndeten Hautarealen verantwortlich sind (CCR2 und CCR5), als auch ihre Wanderung in die Lymphknoten steuern CCR7). Dar{\"u}ber hinaus l{\"a}sst die wirtsspezifische Modulation des Chemokins CXCL10/IP-10 in resistenten Tieren vermuten, dass sie zur Kontrolle der Infektion beitr{\"a}gt.},
  subject      = {Leishmaniose},
  language  = {de}
}
@phdthesis{Bittner2005,
  author    = {Bittner, Thomas},
  title     = {Immunhistologische Charakterisierung immunkompetenter Zellen in Plattenepithelkarzinomen des oberen Aerodigestivtraktes},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-12087},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2005},
  abstract  = {Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, die Beziehung zwischen Expression der Basalmembran und der damit einhergehen Ver{\"a}nderung des Immunzelleninfiltrates zu untersuchen. Eine Reihe von 23 Plattenepithelkarzinomen des Larynx und Hypopharynx wurden lichtmikroskopisch untersucht. Hierzu wurde eine immunhistochemischen F{\"a}rbung verwendet mit monoklonalen Antik{\"o}rpern gegen folgende Membranantigene: CD 1a, CD 4, CD 8, Pan B, CD 14, ICAM 1, LFA, HLA-DR, Kollagen 4. Die immunhistochemische Analyse wurde bezogen auf den Differenzierungsgrad des Tumors, definiert durch die Auspr{\"a}gung der Basalmembran. Epithel und Stroma wurden getrennt ausgez{\"a}hlt. Der Verlust der Basalmembran wurde von einer Ver{\"a}nderung in der Zusammensetzung des Immunzelleninfiltrates begleitet: HLA-DR und LFA nahm in beiden Kompartimenten ab. Pan B und CD 14 zeigten eine Parallelit{\"a}t im F{\"a}rbeverhalten. Pan B zeigte die st{\"a}rkste F{\"a}rbung in Plattenepithelkarzinomen mit ann{\"a}hernd ununterbrochener Basalmembran. CD 8 zeigte die st{\"a}rksteF{\"a}rbung in Plattenepithelkarzinomen mit l{\"u}ckenhafter, aber noch vorhandener Basalmembran. Die CD 8 positiven Zellen zeigten stellenweise engen Kontakt zur Basalmembran, stellenweise keimzentrums{\"a}hnliche Anordnungen. Wir schlussfolgern, dass bei gut differenzierten Tumoren das B-Zell System, bei m{\"a}ßig differenzierten das T-Zell System eine gewisse Rolle spielt. Der {\"U}bergangszone Tumor-Stroma scheint eine besondere immunologische Bedeutung zu zukommen.},
  language  = {de}
}