@phdthesis{Zude2014, author = {Zude, Ingmar}, title = {Characterization of virulence-associated traits of Escherichia coli bovine mastitis isolates}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-100934}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Bacterial mastitis is caused by invasion of the udder, bacterial multiplication and induction of inflammatory responses in the bovine mammary gland. Disease severity and the cause of disease are influenced by environmental factors, the cow's immune response as well as bacterial traits. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the main causes of acute bovine mastitis, but although pathogenic E. coli strains can be classified into different pathotypes, E. coli causing mastitis cannot unambiguously be distinguished from commensal E. coli nor has a common set of virulence factors been described for mastitis isolates. This project focussed on the characterization of virulence- associated traits of E. coli mastitis isolates in comprehensive analyses under conditions either mimicking initial pathogenesis or conditions that E. coli mastitis isolates should encounter while entering the udder. Virulence-associated traits as well as fitness traits of selected bovine mastitis or faecal E. coli strains were identified and analyzed in comparative phenotypic assays. Raw milk whey was introduced to test bacterial fitness in native mammary secretion known to confer antimicrobial effects. Accordingly, E. coli isolates from bovine faeces represented a heterogeneous group of which some isolates showed reduced ability to survive in milk whey whereas others phenotypically resembled mastitis isolates that represented a homogeneous group in that they showed similar survival and growth characteristics in milk whey. In contrast, mastitis isolates did not exhibit such a uniform phenotype when challenged with iron shortage, lactose as sole carbon source and lingual antimicrobial peptide (LAP) as a main defensin of milk. Reduced bacterial fitness could be related to LAP suggesting that bacterial adaptation to an intramammary lifestyle requires resistance to host defensins present in mammary secretions, at least LAP. E. coli strain 1303 and ECC-1470 lack particular virulence genes associated to mastitis isolates. To find out whether differences in gene expression may contribute to the ability of E. coli variants to cause mastitis, the transcriptome of E. coli model mastitis isolates 1303 and ECC-1470 were analyzed to identify candidate genes involved in bacterium-host interaction, fitness or even pathogenicity during bovine mastitis. DNA microarray analysis was employed to assess the transcriptional response of E. coli 1303 and ECC-1470 upon cocultivation with MAC-T immortalized bovine mammary gland epithelial cells to identify candidate genes involved in bacterium-host interaction. Additionally, the cell adhesion and invasion ability of E. coli strain 1303 and ECC-1470 was investigated. The transcriptonal response to the presence of host cells rather suggested competition for nutrients and oxygen between E. coli and MAC-T cells than marked signs of adhesion and invasion. Accordingly, mostly fitness traits that may also contribute to efficient colonization of the E. coli primary habitat, the gut, have been utilized by the mastitis isolates under these conditions. In this study, RNA-Seq was employed to assess the bacterial transcriptional response to milk whey. According to our transcriptome data, the lack of positively deregulated and also of true virulence-associated determinants in both of the mastitis isolates indicated that E. coli might have adapted by other means to the udder (or at least mammary secretion) as an inflammatory site. We identified traits that promote bacterial growth and survival in milk whey. The ability to utilize citrate promotes fitness and survival of E. coli that are thriving in mammary secretions. According to our results, lactoferrin has only weak impact on E. coli in mammary secretions. At the same time bacterial determinants involved in iron assimilation were negatively regulated, suggesting that, at least during the first hours, iron assimilation is not a challenge to E. coli colonizing the mammary gland. It has been hypothesized that cellular iron stores cause temporary independency to extracellular accessible iron. According to our transcriptome data, this hypothesis was supported and places iron uptake systems beyond the speculative importance that has been suggested before, at least during early phases of infection. It has also been shown that the ability to resist extracytoplasmic stress, by oxidative conditions as well as host defensins, is of substantial importance for bacterial survival in mammary secretions. In summary, the presented thesis addresses important aspects of host-pathogen interaction and bacterial conversion to hostile conditions during colonization of the mastitis inflammatory site, the mammary gland.}, subject = {Escherichia coli}, language = {en} } @article{WuZhaoHochreinetal.2023, author = {Wu, Hao and Zhao, Xiufeng and Hochrein, Sophia M. and Eckstein, Miriam and Gubert, Gabriela F. and Kn{\"o}pper, Konrad and Mansilla, Ana Maria and {\"O}ner, Arman and Doucet-Ladev{\`e}ze, Remi and Schmitz, Werner and Ghesqui{\`e}re, Bart and Theurich, Sebastian and Dudek, Jan and Gasteiger, Georg and Zernecke, Alma and Kobold, Sebastian and Kastenm{\"u}ller, Wolfgang and Vaeth, Martin}, title = {Mitochondrial dysfunction promotes the transition of precursor to terminally exhausted T cells through HIF-1α-mediated glycolytic reprogramming}, series = {Nature Communications}, volume = {14}, journal = {Nature Communications}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-023-42634-3}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-358052}, year = {2023}, abstract = {T cell exhaustion is a hallmark of cancer and persistent infections, marked by inhibitory receptor upregulation, diminished cytokine secretion, and impaired cytolytic activity. Terminally exhausted T cells are steadily replenished by a precursor population (Tpex), but the metabolic principles governing Tpex maintenance and the regulatory circuits that control their exhaustion remain incompletely understood. Using a combination of gene-deficient mice, single-cell transcriptomics, and metabolomic analyses, we show that mitochondrial insufficiency is a cell-intrinsic trigger that initiates the functional exhaustion of T cells. At the molecular level, we find that mitochondrial dysfunction causes redox stress, which inhibits the proteasomal degradation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and promotes the transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming of Tpex cells into terminally exhausted T cells. Our findings also bear clinical significance, as metabolic engineering of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells is a promising strategy to enhance the stemness and functionality of Tpex cells for cancer immunotherapy.}, language = {en} } @article{WuReimannSiddiquietal.2019, author = {Wu, Hao and Reimann, Sabine and Siddiqui, Sophiya and Haag, Rainer and Siegmund, Britta and Dernedde, Jens and Glauben, Rainer}, title = {dPGS Regulates the Phenotype of Macrophages via Metabolic Switching}, series = {Macromolecular Bioscience}, volume = {19}, journal = {Macromolecular Bioscience}, number = {12}, doi = {10.1002/mabi.201900184}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-212711}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The synthetic compound dendritic polyglycerol sulfate (dPGS) is a pleiotropic acting molecule but shows a high binding affinity to immunological active molecules as L-/P-selectin or complement proteins leading to well described anti-inflammatory properties in various mouse models. In order to make a comprehensive evaluation of the direct effect on the innate immune system, macrophage polarization is analyzed in the presence of dPGS on a phenotypic but also metabolic level. dPGS administered macrophages show a significant increase of MCP1 production paralleled by a reduction of IL-10 secretion. Metabolic analysis reveals that dPGS could potently enhance the glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration in M0 macrophages as well as decrease the mitochondrial respiration of M2 macrophages. In summary the data indicate that dPGS polarizes macrophages into a pro-inflammatory phenotype in a metabolic pathway-dependent manner.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Weber2007, author = {Weber, Martin V. R. H.}, title = {Populationsbiologische und pathogenetische Aspekte von Neisseria meningitidis}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-25775}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2007}, abstract = {Meningokokken sind nach wie vor eine wichtige Ursache f{\"u}r Gehirnhautentz{\"u}ndungen und Sepsen weltweit, vor allem bei Kindern und Jugendlichen. Weil viele Pathomechanismen dieses Erregers bislang noch unvollst{\"a}ndig verstanden sind, wurden im Rahmen der vorliegenden Doktorarbeit populationsbiologische und pathogenetische Aspekte von Neisseria meningitidis untersucht. Die Kapsel ist der haupts{\"a}chliche Pathogenit{\"a}tsfaktor von Meningokokken und wichtig f{\"u}r die Besiedelung von neuen Wirten. Isolate von symptomfreien Tr{\"a}gern sind allerdings h{\"a}ufig unbekapselt. Um Ursachen oder Mechanismen f{\"u}r den Verlust der Kapselexpression aufzudecken, wurden insgesamt 166 Isolate der Bayerischen Meningokokkentr{\"a}gerstudie untersucht. Alle Isolate besaßen s{\"a}mtliche zur Kapselsynthese notwendigen Gene, exprimierten aber keine Kapsel. Bei 39 Isolaten fanden sich L{\"a}ngenvariationen in homopolymeren Sequenzen (slipped strand mispairing, SSM) in den Genen siaA und siaD. 46 Isolate enthielten Insertionselemente (IS1301, IS1016 und IS1106) in den Genen der Kapselsynthese. Irreversible Mutationen (Deletionen, Insertionen, Basensubstitutionen) wurden bei 47 Isolaten gefunden. Ver{\"a}nderungen der Promotorregion schienen keine Rolle zu spielen. Es wurden bei insgesamt sechs Isolaten zwei nicht-synonyme Mutationen in unmittelbarer N{\"a}he zum putativen aktiven Zentrum der UDP-N- Acetylglukosamin-2-Epimerase entdeckt, die einen Verlust der Kapselsynthese erkl{\"a}ren k{\"o}nnten. Insgesamt wurden keine Akkumulationen von Mutationen in defekten Genen gefunden und es gab auch keine Korrelationen zwischen den verschieden Ursachen und bestimmten klonalen Linien. Die erhaltenen Ergebnisse legen nahe, dass die meisten der zur Blockierung der Kapselexpression f{\"u}hrenden Ereignisse erst im aktuellen Wirt aufgetreten sind und dass zumindest bei bestimmten klonalen Linien die Verbreitung von der Expression einer Kapsel abh{\"a}ngig ist. Viele pathogene Bakterien nutzen zur Infektion des Menschen die ubiquit{\"a}r im K{\"o}rper vorkommende Protease Plasmin. Dazu binden diese Plasmin oder das Proenzym Plasminogen. Auch Meningokokken interagieren mit Plasmin und Plasminogen. Im Rahmen der vorliegenden Arbeit konnten drei Rezeptormolek{\"u}le f{\"u}r Plasminogen identifiziert werden. Die drei Proteine Enolase, DnaK und Peroxiredoxin konnten mit verschiedenen Methoden auf der Oberfl{\"a}che der Erreger nachgewiesen werden. Die Bindung des Plasminogens ist bei Meningokokken ausschließlich {\"u}ber Lysinreste der Rezeptoren vermittelt, die C-terminalen Lysinreste der hier identifizierten Rezeptormolek{\"u}le spielen aber, wenn {\"u}berhaupt, nur eine untergeordnete Rolle. Die Bindung von Plasminogen war durch rekombinante Rezeptorproteine konzentrationsabh{\"a}ngig inhibierbar. Plasminogen konnte von Meningokokken auch aus dem Serum rekrutiert werden. Gebundenes Plasminogen war mit uPA (Urokinase Plasminogen Aktivator) aktivierbar und physiologisch aktiv, was durch die Degradation von Fibrinogen nachgewiesen wurde. Das gebundene Plasmin wurde durch die Bakterien vor der Desaktivierung durch \&\#945;2- Antiplasmin gesch{\"u}tzt. Des Weiteren konnte gezeigt werden, dass Meningokokken auch mit weiteren Faktoren des Fibrinolyse-Systems (uPA) interagieren. Sie rekrutierten uPA an ihre Oberfl{\"a}che und gebundenes uPA war physiologisch aktiv. Die erhaltenen Ergebnisse best{\"a}rken die These, dass Meningokokken die Faktoren des Fibrinolyse-Systems f{\"u}r ihre Pathogenese nutzen.}, subject = {Neisseria meningitidis}, language = {de} } @article{UnnewehrStich2015, author = {Unnewehr, Markus and Stich, August}, title = {Fighting Hepatitis B in North Korea: Feasibility of a Bi-modal Prevention Strategy}, series = {Journal of Korean Medical Science}, volume = {30}, journal = {Journal of Korean Medical Science}, doi = {10.3346/jkms.2015.30.11.1584}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-138773}, pages = {1584-1588}, year = {2015}, abstract = {In North Korea, the prevalence of hepatitis B is high due to natural factors, gaps in vaccination, and the lack of antiviral treatment. Aid projects are urgently needed, however impeded by North Korea's political and economical situation and isolation. The feasibility of a joint North Korean and German humanitarian hepatitis B prevention program was assessed. Part 1: Hepatitis B vaccination catch-up campaign. Part 2: Implementation of endoscopic ligation of esophageal varices (EVL) by trainings in Germany and North Korea. By vaccinating 7 million children between 2010 and 2012, the hepatitis B vaccination gap was closed. Coverage of 99.23\% was reached. A total of 11 hepatitis B-induced liver cirrhosis patients (mean age 41.1 yr) with severe esophageal varices and previous bleedings were successfully treated by EVL without major complications. A clinical standard operating procedure, a feedback system and a follow-up plan were developed. The bi-modal preventive strategy was implemented successfully. Parts of the project can serve as an example for other low-income countries, however its general transferability is limited due to the special circumstances in North Korea.}, language = {en} } @article{TwisselmannPagelKuenstneretal.2021, author = {Twisselmann, Nele and Pagel, Julia and K{\"u}nstner, Axel and Weckmann, Markus and Hartz, Annika and Glaser, Kirsten and Hilgendorff, Anne and G{\"o}pel, Wolfgang and Busch, Hauke and Herting, Egbert and Weinberg, Jason B. and H{\"a}rtel, Christoph}, title = {Hyperoxia/Hypoxia Exposure Primes a Sustained Pro-Inflammatory Profile of Preterm Infant Macrophages Upon LPS Stimulation}, series = {Frontiers in Immunology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in Immunology}, issn = {1664-3224}, doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2021.762789}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-250356}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Preterm infants are highly susceptible to sustained lung inflammation, which may be triggered by exposure to multiple environmental cues such as supplemental oxygen (O\(_2\)) and infections. We hypothesized that dysregulated macrophage (MФ) activation is a key feature leading to inflammation-mediated development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. Therefore, we aimed to determine age-dependent differences in immune responses of monocyte-derived MФ comparing cord blood samples derived from preterm (n=14) and term (n=19) infants as well as peripheral blood samples from healthy adults (n=17) after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. Compared to term and adult MФ, LPS-stimulated preterm MФ showed an enhanced and sustained pro-inflammatory immune response determined by transcriptome analysis, cytokine release inducing a RORC upregulation due to T cell polarization of neonatal T cells, and TLR4 surface expression. In addition, a double-hit model was developed to study pulmonary relevant exposure factors by priming MФ with hyperoxia (O\(_2\) = 65\%) or hypoxia (O\(_2\) = 3\%) followed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100ng/ml). When primed by 65\% O\(_2\), subsequent LPS stimulation in preterm MФ led to an exaggerated pro-inflammatory response (e.g. increased HLA-DR expression and cytokine release) compared to LPS stimulation alone. Both, exposure to 65\% or 3\% O\(_2\) together with subsequent LPS stimulation, resulted in an exaggerated pro-inflammatory response of preterm MФ determined by transcriptome analysis. Downregulation of two major transcriptional factors, early growth response gene (Egr)-2 and growth factor independence 1 (Gfi1), were identified to play a role in the exaggerated pro-inflammatory response of preterm MФ to LPS insult after priming with 65\% or 3\% O\(_2\). Preterm MФ responses to LPS and hyperoxia/hypoxia suggest their involvement in excessive inflammation due to age-dependent differences, potentially mediated by downregulation of Egr2 and Gfi1 in the developing lung.}, language = {en} } @article{TappeStichLangeheineckeetal.2014, author = {Tappe, D. and Stich, A. and Langeheinecke, A. and von Sonnenburg, F. and Muntau, B. and Schaefer, J. and Slesak, G.}, title = {Suspected new wave of muscular sarcocystosis in travellers returning from Tioman Island, Malaysia, May 2014}, series = {Eurosurveillance}, volume = {19}, journal = {Eurosurveillance}, number = {21}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-116195}, pages = {8-10}, year = {2014}, abstract = {In May 2014, six patients presented in Germany with a Sarcocystis-associated febrile myositis syndrome after returning from Tioman Island, Malaysia. During two earlier waves of infections, in 2011 and 2012, about 100 travellers returning to various European countries from the island were affected. While the first two waves were associated with travel to Tioman Island mostly during the summer months, this current series of infections is associated with travel in early spring, possibly indicating an upcoming new epidemic.}, language = {en} } @article{StrobelJohswich2018, author = {Strobel, Lea and Johswich, Kay O.}, title = {Anticoagulants impact on innate immune responses and bacterial survival in whole blood models of Neisseria meningitidis infection}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {8}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {10225}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-018-28583-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-176226}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) causes invasive diseases such as meningitis or septicaemia. Ex vivo infection of human whole blood is a valuable tool to study meningococcal virulence factors and the host innate immune responses. In order to consider effects of cellular mediators, the coagulation cascade must be inhibited to avoid clotting. There is considerable variation in the anticoagulants used among studies of N. meningitidis whole blood infections, featuring citrate, heparin or derivatives of hirudin, a polypeptide from leech saliva. Here, we compare the influence of these three different anticoagulants, and additionally Mg/EGTA, on host innate immune responses as well as on viability of N. meningitidis strains isolated from healthy carriers and disease cases, reflecting different sequence types and capsule phenotypes. We found that the anticoagulants significantly impact on cellular responses and, strain-dependently, also on bacterial survival. Hirudin does not inhibit complement and is therefore superior over the other anticoagulants; indeed hirudin-plasma most closely reflects the characteristics of serum during N. meningitidis infection. We further demonstrate the impact of heparin on complement activation on N. meningitidis and its consequences on meningococcal survival in immune sera, which appears to be independent of the heparin binding antigens Opc and NHBA.}, language = {en} } @article{SrivastavaBencurovaGuptaetal.2019, author = {Srivastava, Mugdha and Bencurova, Elena and Gupta, Shishir K. and Weiss, Esther and L{\"o}ffler, J{\"u}rgen and Dandekar, Thomas}, title = {Aspergillus fumigatus challenged by human dendritic cells: metabolic and regulatory pathway responses testify a tight battle}, series = {Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology}, doi = {10.3389/fcimb.2019.00168}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-201368}, pages = {168}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen presenting cells which serve as a passage between the innate and the acquired immunity. Aspergillosis is a major lethal condition in immunocompromised patients caused by the adaptable saprophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. The healthy human immune system is capable to ward off A. fumigatus infections however immune-deficient patients are highly vulnerable to invasive aspergillosis. A. fumigatus can persist during infection due to its ability to survive the immune response of human DCs. Therefore, the study of the metabolism specific to the context of infection may allow us to gain insight into the adaptation strategies of both the pathogen and the immune cells. We established a metabolic model of A. fumigatus central metabolism during infection of DCs and calculated the metabolic pathway (elementary modes; EMs). Transcriptome data were used to identify pathways activated when A. fumigatus is challenged with DCs. In particular, amino acid metabolic pathways, alternative carbon metabolic pathways and stress regulating enzymes were found to be active. Metabolic flux modeling identified further active enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase, inositol oxygenase and GTP cyclohydrolase participating in different stress responses in A. fumigatus. These were further validated by qRT-PCR from RNA extracted under these different conditions. For DCs, we outlined the activation of metabolic pathways in response to the confrontation with A. fumigatus. We found the fatty acid metabolism plays a crucial role, along with other metabolic changes. The gene expression data and their analysis illuminate additional regulatory pathways activated in the DCs apart from interleukin regulation. In particular, Toll-like receptor signaling, NOD-like receptor signaling and RIG-I-like receptor signaling were active pathways. Moreover, we identified subnetworks and several novel key regulators such as UBC, EGFR, and CUL3 of DCs to be activated in response to A. fumigatus. In conclusion, we analyze the metabolic and regulatory responses of A. fumigatus and DCs when confronted with each other.}, language = {en} } @article{SporbertCseresnyesHeidbrederetal.2013, author = {Sporbert, Anje and Cseresnyes, Zoltan and Heidbreder, Meike and Domaing, Petra and Hauser, Stefan and Kaltschmidt, Barbara and Kaltschmidt, Christian and Heilemann, Mike and Widera, Darius}, title = {Simple Method for Sub-Diffraction Resolution Imaging of Cellular Structures on Standard Confocal Microscopes by Three-Photon Absorption of Quantum Dots}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {8}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {5}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0064023}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-130963}, pages = {e64023}, year = {2013}, abstract = {This study describes a simple technique that improves a recently developed 3D sub-diffraction imaging method based on three-photon absorption of commercially available quantum dots. The method combines imaging of biological samples via tri-exciton generation in quantum dots with deconvolution and spectral multiplexing, resulting in a novel approach for multi-color imaging of even thick biological samples at a 1.4 to 1.9-fold better spatial resolution. This approach is realized on a conventional confocal microscope equipped with standard continuous-wave lasers. We demonstrate the potential of multi-color tri-exciton imaging of quantum dots combined with deconvolution on viral vesicles in lentivirally transduced cells as well as intermediate filaments in three-dimensional clusters of mouse-derived neural stem cells (neurospheres) and dense microtubuli arrays in myotubes formed by stacks of differentiated C2C12 myoblasts.}, language = {en} } @article{SmithBrayHoffmanetal.2015, author = {Smith, Craig J. and Bray, Benjamin D. and Hoffman, Alex and Meisel, Andreas and Heuschmann, Peter U. and Wolfe, Charles D. A. and Tyrrell, Pippa J. and Rudd, Anthony G.}, title = {Can a novel clinical risk score improve pneumonia prediction in acute stroke care? A UK multicenter cohort study}, series = {Journal of the American Heart Association}, volume = {4}, journal = {Journal of the American Heart Association}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1161/JAHA.114.001307}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-144602}, pages = {e001307}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Background Pneumonia frequently complicates stroke and has amajor impact on outcome. We derived and internally validated a simple clinical risk score for predicting stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP), and compared the performance with an existing score (A\(^{2}\)DS\(^{2}\)). Methods and Results We extracted data for patients with ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme multicenter UK registry. The data were randomly allocated into derivation (n=11 551) and validation (n=11 648) samples. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to the derivation data to predict SAP in the first 7 days of admission. The characteristics of the score were evaluated using receiver operating characteristics (discrimination) and by plotting predicted versus observed SAP frequency in deciles of risk (calibration). Prevalence of SAP was 6.7\% overall. The final 22-point score (ISAN: prestroke Independence [modified Rankin scale], Sex, Age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) exhibited good discrimination in the ischemic stroke derivation (C-statistic 0.79; 95\% CI 0.77 to 0.81) and validation (C-statistic 0.78; 95\% CI 0.76 to 0.80) samples. It was well calibrated in ischemic stroke and was further classified into meaningful risk groups (low 0 to 5, medium6 to 10, high 11 to 14, and very high >= 15) associated with SAP frequencies of 1.6\%, 4.9\%, 12.6\%, and 26.4\%, respectively, in the validation sample. Discrimination for both scores was similar, although they performed less well in the intracerebral hemorrhage patients with an apparent ceiling effect. Conclusions The ISAN score is a simple tool for predicting SAP in clinical practice. External validation is required in ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke cohorts.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Schmid2001, author = {Schmid, Erik}, title = {Die Rolle des CD9 bei der CDV-Infektion}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-1994}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2001}, abstract = {Die Infektion einer Zelle und die Virus-Ausbreitung von Zelle zu Zelle in infiziertem Gewebe oder in der Zellkultur ist abh{\"a}ngig von der F{\"a}higkeit des Virus, die Fusion von Membranen zu induzieren und somit die nat{\"u}rliche Barriere zwischen einzelnen Zellen zu {\"u}berwinden. Neben den viralen Glykoproteinen sind dabei Proteine in der Membran der Wirtszelle ausschlaggebend f{\"u}r einen erfolgreichen Ablauf dieser Fusionsprozesse. K{\"u}rzlich konnten wir mit CD9, einem Mitglied der Tetraspann-Transmembran-Proteinfamilie, ein zellul{\"a}res Oberfl{\"a}chenmolek{\"u}l identifizieren, welches bei einer Infektion von Zellen mit CDV an diesen Fusionvorg{\"a}ngen beteiligt ist: Transfektion eines CD9-Expressionsplasmids in CD9-negative Zellen erh{\"o}ht deren Infizierbarkeit und CD9-Antik{\"o}rper inhibieren die Infektion von Zellkulturen mit CDV (OND). In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde untersucht, welcher Mechanismus hinter der Hemmung der CDV-Infektion durch CD9-Antik{\"o}rper steht. Es besteht keine Korrelation zwischen der Expression von CD9 und der Virusbindung an Zellen besteht. Zudem konnte mit Antik{\"o}rpern gegen CD9 die Bindung von CDV an Zellen nicht beeintr{\"a}chtigt werden. Es konnte des weiteren kein unmittelbarer Effekt von CD9-Antik{\"o}rpern auf die Virusaufnahme, sowie auf die virale mRNA- und Protein-Synthese festgestellt werden. Auch die posttranslationale Modifikation der viralen Proteine, wie die Spaltung des F0-Proteins in F1 und F2, und ihre Expression an der Zelloberfl{\"a}che verl{\"a}uft in Gegenwart von mAK K41 normal. Durch Antik{\"o}rper gegen CD9 wird jedoch die Synzytienbildung in infizierten Zellkulturen stark gehemmt und die Freisetzung neuer Viruspartikel verringert. Untersuchungen der Fusion von uninfizierten mit persistent CDV-infizierten HeLa-Zellen zeigten, dass mAK K41 direkt die CDV-induzierte Zell-Zell-Fusion beeinflusst. Dabei wird aber kein Teilschritt des Fusionsprozesses, wie z.B. die Hemifusion, vollst{\"a}ndig blockiert, da die Synzytienbildung selbst durch den Einsatz hoher Konzentrationen an mAK K41 nicht verhindert werden kann. Die Reduktion der Virustiter und der viralen mRNA-Mengen, die man etwa ab 18 Stunden nach Infektion in Gegenwart von mAK K41 beobachtet, entspricht der Reduktion, die man in Gegenwart eines fusionsinhibierenden Peptids (FIP) beobachtet. In beiden F{\"a}llen ist diese Reduktion h{\"o}chstwahrscheinlich ein Sekund{\"a}reffekt der Inhibition der Infektionsaus-breitung durch Synzytienbildung.Bei CDV kann zwischen St{\"a}mmen, die Synzytien induzieren und St{\"a}mmen, die in infizierten Zellkulturen keine oder nur sehr geringe Plaquebildung zeigen, unterschieden werden. Diese Unterschiede basieren auf Sequenzunterschieden in den viralen Glykoproteinen H und F, die bei Morbilliviren f{\"u}r die Art des zytopatischen Effekts verantwortlich sind. Bei den St{\"a}mmen, die keine Synzytien induzieren, und dem Wildstamm A75/17 haben Antik{\"o}rper gegen CD9 keinen inhibierenden Effekt auf die Infektion und es sind in Zellkulturen keine Unterschiede im Infektionsverlauf in An- oder Abwesenheit von mAK K41 zu beobachten. Die Hemmbarkeit einer CDV-Infektion durch CD9-Antik{\"o}rper ist also abh{\"a}ngig von der F{\"a}higkeit des jeweiligen Stammes Synzytien zu induzieren.Aus den vorliegenden Daten kann geschlossen werden, das CD9-Antik{\"o}rper spezifisch die CDV-induzierte Zell-Zell-Fusion hemmen, nicht aber die Virus-Zell-Fusion. Im Gegensatz zur Virus-Zell-Fusion scheint die virusstammspezifischen Induktion der Zell-Zell-Fusion, neben dem zellul{\"a}ren Rezeptormolk{\"u}l noch von weiteren Interaktionen der viralen H{\"u}llproteine mit anderen Zelloberfl{\"a}chenmolek{\"u}len abh{\"a}ngig zu sein. Es ist anzunehmen, dass CD9 dabei direkt oder indirekt mit diesen Oberfl{\"a}chenmolek{\"u}len interagiert und somit Einfluß auf die Zellfusion hat. Bei der CDV-Infektion bewirken CD9-Antik{\"o}per eine Verz{\"o}gerung der Synzytienbildung, w{\"a}hrend sie bei der NDV-Infektion zu einer verst{\"a}rkten Synzytienbildung f{\"u}hren.Neben dem bereits bekannten fusionregulierenden Protein FRP-1/CD98 konnte so mit CD9 ein weiteres Membranprotein identfiziert werden, das an der Regulierung verschiedener viral-induzierter Zellfusionsvorg{\"a}nge, aber auch an Zellfusionen im Zuge der Zelldifferenzierung und Entwicklung beteiligt ist. Die Regulierung der Fusion scheint aber bei CD9 und FRP-1 auf unterschiedlichen Mechanismen zu beruhen, da Antik{\"o}rper gegen die beiden Membran-proteine bei NDV-infizierten Zellen die Zell-Zell-Fusion stimulieren, FRP-1-Antik{\"o}rper aber keinen Einfluß auf die CDV-induzierte Zellfusion haben. Obwohl einige Interaktionspartner von CD9, wie z.B. Integrine, bekannt sind, konnte der Mechanismus der Regulation der Zell-Zell-Fusion durch CD9-Antik{\"o}rper noch nicht aufgekl{\"a}rt werden. Die vorliegende Arbeit zeigt zum ersten mal Unterschiede in der Virus-Zell- und Zell-Zell-Fusion bei Paramyxoviren auf und ist ein erster Schritt zu einem besseren Ver-st{\"a}ndnis des Unterschiedes zwischen zellul{\"a}ren und viralen Fusionsvorg{\"a}ngen.}, subject = {Staupevirus}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Russmann2007, author = {Rußmann, Sonja}, title = {Langzeiterfahrungen mit der silberazetatbeschichteten Polyesterprothese - Ist der prophylaktische Einsatz gerechtfertigt?}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-25048}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2007}, abstract = {Was ist Silber wert? Langzeiterfahrung mit der Silberacetat-beschichteten Polyesterprothese EINLEITUNG: Nicht nur zur Behandlung von Protheseninfekten, sondern auch zur Prophylaxe wurden neue silberacetat-beschichtete Gef{\"a}ßprothesen entwickelt. Die hier vorliegende Studie beschreibt die Sicherheit, Extremit{\"a}tenerhaltungs- und Infektionsraten nach Implantation der InterGard® Silver Prothese. METHODEN: Es wurden alle Patienten erfasst, bei denen im Zeitraum zwischen 7/1999 und 12/2004 an der Universit{\"a}tsklinik W{\"u}rzburg eine silberacetat-beschichtete Polyesterprothese implantiert wurde. Nach Sichtung der OP-B{\"u}cher wurden die jeweiligen Verl{\"a}ufe anhand der Aktenlage analysiert. In einer Follow-Up Untersuchung wurde der weitere Langzeitverlauf erfasst. ERGEBNISSE: 585 Patienten erhielten eine Silberprothese. Die OP-Indikation stellte bei 314 Patienten (53,7\%) pAVK, bei 155 (26,5\%) aortale und periphere Aneurysmen, bei 110 (18,8\%) akute Isch{\"a}mie, und bei 6 (1,0\%) ein Bypassinfekt dar. Die Prothese wurde in 210 F{\"a}llen in aorto-iliaco-femoraler, in 325 in femoro-distaler und in 50 in extraanatomischer Position oder als Mehretageneingriff implantiert. Postoperative Komplikationen stellten Wundheilungsst{\"o}rung in 83 (14,2\%), operative Revision in 73 (12,5\%), Lymphfistel in 58 (9,9\%) und eine Nachblutung in 27 (4,6\%) F{\"a}llen dar. Im Langzeitverlauf traten 35 (6,0\%) Protheseninfektionen auf, 27 davon prim{\"a}r und 8 sekund{\"a}r nach Re-Operation.. Die Gesamt-Infektrate bei aorto-iliaco-femoraler Prothesenposition betrug 1,9\% und bei femoro-distaler 8,6\% (p<0,05). Die Protheseninfektrate war bei pAVK IV, fr{\"u}herer Revaskularisation, Wundheilungsst{\"o}rung, Nachblutung und chirurgischer Revision signifikant erh{\"o}ht (p<0,05). Es ergaben sich Extremit{\"a}tenerhaltungsraten von 79,8\% ohne bzw. 32,0\% bei Protheseninfekt nach 5 Jahren. SCHLUSSFOLGERUNG: Die InterGard® Silver Prothese hat sich in aorto-iliaco-femoraler bei jeder Indikation, sowie in peripherer Position bei pAVK IIb bew{\"a}hrt. Bei pAVK IV ist keine Reduktion der Protheseninfekte zu erwarten.}, subject = {Silber}, language = {de} } @article{RoseDammGreineretal.2014, author = {Rose, Markus A. and Damm, Oliver and Greiner, Wolfgang and Knuf, Markus and Wutzler, Peter and Liese, Johannes G. and Kr{\"u}ger, Hagen and Wahn, Ulrich and Schaberg, Tom and Schwehm, Markus and Kochmann, Thomas F. and Eichner, Martin}, title = {The epidemiological impact of childhood influenza vaccination using live-attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) in Germany: predictions of a simulation study}, series = {BMC Infectious Diseases}, volume = {14}, journal = {BMC Infectious Diseases}, number = {40}, issn = {1471-2334}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2334-14-40}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-117563}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background: Routine annual influenza vaccination is primarily recommended for all persons aged 60 and above and for people with underlying chronic conditions in Germany. Other countries have already adopted additional childhood influenza immunisation programmes. The objective of this study is to determine the potential epidemiological impact of implementing paediatric influenza vaccination using intranasally administered live-attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) in Germany. Methods: A deterministic age-structured model is used to simulate the population-level impact of different vaccination strategies on the transmission dynamics of seasonal influenza in Germany. In our base-case analysis, we estimate the effects of adding a LAIV-based immunisation programme targeting children 2 to 17 years of age to the existing influenza vaccination policy. The data used in the model is based on published evidence complemented by expert opinion. Results: In our model, additional vaccination of children 2 to 17 years of age with LAIV leads to the prevention of 23.9 million influenza infections and nearly 16 million symptomatic influenza cases within 10 years. This reduction in burden of disease is not restricted to children. About one third of all adult cases can indirectly be prevented by LAIV immunisation of children. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that vaccinating children 2-17 years of age is likely associated with a significant reduction in the burden of paediatric influenza. Furthermore, annual routine childhood vaccination against seasonal influenza is expected to decrease the incidence of influenza among adults and older people due to indirect effects of herd protection. In summary, our model provides data supporting the introduction of a paediatric influenza immunisation programme in Germany.}, language = {en} } @article{RoeslerSegererMorbachetal.2012, author = {Roesler, Joachim and Segerer, Florian and Morbach, Henner and Kleinert, Stefan and Thieme, Sebastian and R{\"o}sen-Wolff, Angela and Liese, Johannes G.}, title = {P67-phox (NCF2) Lacking Exons 11 and 12 Is Functionally Active and Leads to an Extremely Late Diagnosis of Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD)}, series = {PLoS One}, volume = {7}, journal = {PLoS One}, number = {4}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0034296}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-134948}, pages = {e34296}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Two brothers in their fifties presented with a medical history of suspected fungal allergy, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, alveolitis, and invasive aspergillosis and pulmonary fistula, respectively. Eventually, after a delay of 50 years, chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) was diagnosed in the index patient. We found a new splice mutation in the NCF2 (p67-phox) gene, c.1000+2T -> G, that led to several splice products one of which lacked exons 11 and 12. This deletion was in frame and allowed for remarkable residual NADPH oxidase activity as determined by transduction experiments using a retroviral vector. We conclude that p67-phox which lacks the 34 amino acids encoded by the two exons can still exert considerable functional activity. This activity can partially explain the long-term survival of the patients without adequate diagnosis and treatment, but could not prevent progressing lung damage.}, language = {en} } @article{RiegerLissMellinghoffetal.2018, author = {Rieger, C. T. and Liss, B. and Mellinghoff, S. and Buchheidt, D. and Cornely, O. A. and Egerer, G. and Heinz, W. J. and Hentrich, M. and Maschmeyer, G. and Mayer, K. and Sandherr, M. and Silling, G. and Ullmann, A. and Vehreschild, M. J. G. T. and von Lilienfeld-Toal, M. and Wolf, H. H. and Lehners, N.}, title = {Anti-infective vaccination strategies in patients with hematologic malignancies or solid tumors-Guideline of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO)}, series = {Annals of Oncology}, volume = {29}, journal = {Annals of Oncology}, number = {6}, doi = {10.1093/annonc/mdy117}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-226196}, pages = {1354-1365}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Infectious complications are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with malignancies specifically when receiving anticancer treatments. Prevention of infection through vaccines is an important aspect of clinical care of cancer patients. Immunocompromising effects of the underlying disease as well as of antineoplastic therapies need to be considered when devising vaccination strategies. This guideline provides clinical recommendations on vaccine use in cancer patients including autologous stem cell transplant recipients, while allogeneic stem cell transplantation is subject of a separate guideline. The document was prepared by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) by reviewing currently available data and applying evidence-based medicine criteria.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Reinthal2005, author = {Reinthal, Sirje}, title = {Adjuvante Therapiestrategien bei der Behandlung intraabdomineller Infektionen : Ergebnisevaluierung einer deutschen Multicenterstudie}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-14460}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2005}, abstract = {Fragestellung: Welchen Nutzen bringt eine adjuvante Therapie mit intraven{\"o}sem Immunglobulin bez{\"u}glich des Krankheitsverlaufs bei intraabdominellen Infektionen? Material und Methode: 71 Patienten mit intraabdominellen Infektionen wurden mit Immunglobulin oder Placebo behandelt. Verschiedene Score-Systeme wurden f{\"u}r die Auswertung des Schweregrades der Krankheit verwendet. Ergebnisse: Die Gesamtanalyse der Daten zeigt, daß Patienten mit Peritonitis von einer Behandlung mit Immunglobulin profitieren k{\"o}nnen. Zusammenfassung: Eine zus{\"a}tzliche Gabe von Immunglobulin kann einen n{\"u}tzlichen Effekt f{\"u}r den Verlauf intraabdomineller Infektionen haben.}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Pekarek2024, author = {Pek{\´a}rek, Luk{\´a}š}, title = {Single-Molecule Approaches To Study Frameshifting Mechanisms}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-34611}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-346112}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {The RNAs of many viruses contain a frameshift stimulatory element (FSE) that grants access to an alternate reading frame via -1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting (PRF). This -1PRF is essential for effective viral replication. The -1PRF efficiency relies on the presence of conserved RNA elements within the FSE, such as a slippery sequence, spacer, and a downstream secondary structure - often a hairpin or a pseudoknot. The PRF efficiency is also affected by trans-acting factors such as proteins, miRNAs and metabolites. The interactions of these factors with the RNA and the translation machinery have not yet been completely understood. Traditional ensemble methods used previously to study these events focus on the whole population of molecular species. This results in innate averaging of the molecular behavior and a loss of heterogeneity information. Here, we first established the experimental workflow to study the RNA structures and the effect of potential trans-acting factors using single-molecule force spectroscopy technique, optical tweezers. Additionally, to streamline the data analysis, we developed an algorithm for automatized data processing. Next, we harnessed this knowledge to study viral RNA elements responsible for stimulation of PRF and how the presence of trans-acting factors affects the RNA behavior. We further complemented these single-molecule structural data with ensemble functional assays to gain a complex view on the dynamics behind the programmed ribosomal frameshifting. Specifically, two different viral RNA elements have been studied in the presented work. First, the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 FSE and the role of extended sequences have been explored. Then, the mode of action of the host-encoded trans-acting factor ZAP-S inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 PRF has been examined. Finally, the mechanism of the trans-acting viral factor induced PRF in Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) has been uncovered.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Patzig2002, author = {Patzig, Christian}, title = {Die Bedeutung der Einstufung septischer Intensivpatienten in unterschiedliche Kategorien hinsichtlich Prognose und Therapie}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-5101}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2002}, abstract = {Fragestellung: Gelingt durch die Einteilung der Sepsis entsprechend den Kriterien der ACCP/SCCM Consensus Conference eine Abstufung des Schweregrads und besteht dadurch die M{\"o}glichkeit, septische Komplikationen fr{\"u}her zu erkennen? Design: Prospektive Studie {\"u}ber einen Zeitraum von 1 Jahr. Setting: 2 Intensivstationen der Uniklinik W{\"u}rzburg mit 9 chirurgischen Betten und 12 an{\"a}sthesiologisch-chirurgischen Betten. Ergebnisse: Das Bild der Sepsis l{\"a}sst sich an Hand der ACCP/SCCM-Kriterien in unterschiedliche Schweregrade einteilen, die u. a. mit stetig ansteigenden Letalit{\"a}ten einhergehen. Die H{\"a}ufigkeit und der Schweregrad septischer Komplikationen (u. a. ARDS und MODS) sowie die Sterblichkeit korrelieren mit der Schwere der Ganzk{\"o}rperinflammation. Somit bietet die Einteilung der Sepsis in Schweregrade entsprechend den Definitionen der ACCP/SCCM Consensus Conference eine wertvolle Hilfe, besonders kritische Patienten fr{\"u}hzeitig zu erkennen und entsprechend zu therapieren.}, language = {de} } @article{OkoroBarquistConnoretal.2015, author = {Okoro, Chinyere K. and Barquist, Lars and Connor, Thomas R. and Harris, Simon R. and Clare, Simon and Stevens, Mark P. and Arends, Mark J. and Hale, Christine and Kane, Leanne and Pickard, Derek J. and Hill, Jennifer and Harcourt, Katherine and Parkhill, Julian and Dougan, Gordon and Kingsley, Robert A.}, title = {Signatures of adaptation in human invasive Salmonella Typhimurium ST313 populations from sub-Saharan Africa}, series = {PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases}, volume = {9}, journal = {PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases}, number = {3}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pntd.0003611}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-143779}, pages = {e0003611}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Two lineages of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) of multi-locus sequence type ST313 have been linked with the emergence of invasive Salmonella disease across sub-Saharan Africa. The expansion of these lineages has a temporal association with the HIV pandemic and antibiotic usage. We analysed the whole genome sequence of 129 ST313 isolates representative of the two lineages and found evidence of lineage-specific genome degradation, with some similarities to that observed in S. Typhi. Individual ST313 S. Typhimurium isolates exhibit a distinct metabolic signature and modified enteropathogenesis in both a murine and cattle model of colitis, compared to S. Typhimurium outside of the ST313 lineages. These data define phenotypes that distinguish ST313 isolates from other S. Typhimurium and may represent adaptation to a distinct pathogenesis and lifestyle linked to an-immuno-compromised human population.}, language = {en} } @article{NtoukasTappePfuetzeetal.2013, author = {Ntoukas, Vasileios and Tappe, Dennis and Pf{\"u}tze, Daniel and Simon, Michaela and Holzmann, Thomas}, title = {Cerebellar Cysticercosis Caused by Larval Taenia crassiceps Tapeworm in Immunocompetent Woman, Germany}, series = {Emerging Infectious Diseases}, volume = {19}, journal = {Emerging Infectious Diseases}, number = {12}, doi = {10.3201/eid1912.130284}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-131686}, pages = {2008-2011}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Human cysticercosis caused by Taenia crassiceps tapeworm larvae involves the muscles and subcutis mostly in immunocompromised patients and the eye in immunocompetent persons. We report a successfully treated cerebellar infection in an immunocompetent woman. We developed serologic tests, and the parasite was identified by histologic examination and 12s rDNA PCR and sequencing.}, language = {en} } @article{NadellaMohantySharmaetal.2018, author = {Nadella, Vinod and Mohanty, Aparna and Sharma, Lalita and Yellaboina, Sailu and Mollenkopf, Hans-Joachim and Mazumdar, Varadendra Balaji and Palaparthi, Ramesh and Mylavarapu, Madhavi B. and Maurya, Radheshyam and Kurukuti, Sreenivasulu and Rudel, Thomas and Prakash, Hridayesh}, title = {Inhibitors of Apoptosis Protein Antagonists (Smac Mimetic Compounds) Control Polarization of Macrophages during Microbial Challenge and Sterile Inflammatory Responses}, series = {Frontiers in Immunology}, volume = {8}, journal = {Frontiers in Immunology}, number = {1792}, issn = {1664-3224}, doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2017.01792}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-197484}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Apoptosis is a physiological cell death process essential for development, tissue homeostasis, and for immune defense of multicellular animals. Inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) regulate apoptosis in response to various cellular assaults. Using both genetic and pharmacological approaches we demonstrate here that the IAPs not only support opportunistic survival of intracellular human pathogens like Chlamydia pneumoniae but also control plasticity of iNOS+ M1 macrophage during the course of infection and render them refractory for immune stimulation. Treatment of Th1 primed macrophages with birinapant (IAP-specific antagonist) inhibited NO generation and relevant proteins involved in innate immune signaling. Accordingly, birinapant promoted hypoxia, angiogenesis, and tumor-induced M2 polarization of iNOS+ M1 macrophages. Interestingly, birinapant-driven changes in immune signaling were accompanied with changes in the expression of various proteins involved in the metabolism, and thus revealing the new role of IAPs in immune metabolic reprogramming in committed macrophages. Taken together, our study reveals the significance of IAP targeting approaches (Smac mimetic compounds) for the management of infectious and inflammatory diseases relying on macrophage plasticity.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Moriabadi2002, author = {Moriabadi, Neville Fairdoon}, title = {Der Einfluß von Virusinfektion und Impfung auf autoreaktive T-Lymphozyten bei der Multiplen Sklerose}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-5859}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2002}, abstract = {In der sogenannten ViMS-Studie, bei der MS-Patienten und gesunde Kontrollpersonen mit einer Influenza-Spaltvakzine geimpft und f{\"u}r einen zum Teil viermonatigen Zeitraum im Verlauf nachbeobachtet wurden, ergab sich weder mit dem sensitiven IFNg-ELISPOT noch mit der quantitativen RT-PCR ein Anhalt f{\"u}r erh{\"o}hte Autoimmunreaktivit{\"a}t gegen die zwei untersuchten Myelin-Antigene MBP und MOG. Im Gegensatz dazu konnten mit dem IFNg-ELISPOT-Assay bei einigen gesunden Spendern und MS-Patienten nach nat{\"u}rlichen Atemwegsinfektionen eine erh{\"o}hte Frequenz autoreaktiver MBP-spezifischer T-Lymphozyten beobachtet werden. Im zweiten Teil dieser Arbeit konnten durch Zellkulturinfektionen mit Influenzavirus oder HHV-6 weder an Prim{\"a}rzellkulturen noch in einem etablierten in vitro-Modell f{\"u}r MS-Autoimmunit{\"a}t an MBP-spezifischen T-Zellen eine immunstimulierende Wirkung gezeigt werden. Bei niedrigen Infektionsdosen kam es zur Proliferation einer wahrscheinlich virus-spezifischen Zellpopulation, bei h{\"o}heren Dosen wurde dieser Effekt durch die bekannte Immunsuppression der in vitro-Infektion mit HHV-6 {\"u}bertroffen. In einer umfassenden Untersuchung von Serumproben von gesunden Spendern und MS-Patienten in unterschiedlichen Krankheitsphasen wurden trotz sensitiver Nachweismethoden keine erh{\"o}hten Antik{\"o}rper-Titer (IgG/IgM) gegen HHV-6 oder HHV-6-DNA nachgewiesen, woraus geschlossen werden darf, daß die untersuchten Viren keine intrinsische Pathogenit{\"a}t f{\"u}r die Entstehung von Autoimmunit{\"a}t bei der MS aufweisen. Im Vergleich zu der Kontrollgruppe erh{\"o}hte Anti-HHV-6-IgG-Titer bei PTX-behandelten MS-Patienten lassen sich als m{\"o}gliches Epiph{\"a}nomen durch die immun-modulatorische (Th2-vermittelte) Wirkung des Medikaments deuten. In Zusammenschau aller Ergebnisse dieser Arbeit lassen sich die anfangs angedeuteten Modelle einer virusvermittelten Autoimmunpathogenese der MS nicht eindeutig ein-ordnen. Die Ergebnisse der ViMS-Studie, unterst{\"u}tzt durch zahlreiche Untersuchungen anderer Gruppen, weisen in Bezug auf Schubausl{\"o}sung oder Verschlechterung auf einen generellen immunaktivierenden Mechanismus im Sinne einer unspezifischen Begleitreaktion durch Infektion aber nicht durch Influenzaschutzimpfung hin. Dabei spielt wohl nicht eine einzelne Virusinfektion die maßgebliche Rolle in einem schon auf immunologischer Ebene recht komplexen Netzwerk, sondern k{\"o}nnen prinzipiell verschiedene (beliebige) Viren zum Anstoßen einer Autoimmunkaskade beitragen, wenn sie auf einen konstitutionell oder tempor{\"a}r empf{\"a}nglichen Wirtsorganismus treffen. Dies ist auch vom Infektionsort und -milieu abh{\"a}ngig. Bei der vorliegenden Multifaktorialit{\"a}t und Heterogenit{\"a}t der Subpopulatio-nen sind monolineare Erkl{\"a}rungsans{\"a}tze bislang zum Scheitern verurteilt gewesen. Aber aus dem Fehlen eines Beweises kann nicht der Beweis f{\"u}r das Fehlen eines Zusammen-hangs zwischen Virusinfektionen und Autoimmunreaktionen geschlossen werden.}, language = {de} } @article{MilanezAlmeidaUlasPasztoietal.2015, author = {Milanez-Almeida, P. and Ulas, T. and Pasztoi, M. and Glage, S. and Schughart, K. and Lutz, M. B. and Schultze, J. L. and Huehn, J.}, title = {CD11b\(^{+}\)Ly6C\(^{++}\)Ly6G\(^{-}\) cells with suppressive activity towards T cells accumulate in lungs of influenza A virus-infected mice}, series = {European Journal of Microbiology and Immunology}, volume = {5}, journal = {European Journal of Microbiology and Immunology}, number = {4}, doi = {10.1556/1886.2015.00038}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-149583}, pages = {246-255}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Influenza A virus (IAV) infection causes an acute respiratory disease characterized by a strong inflammatory immune response and severe immunopathology. Proinflammatory mechanisms are well described in the murine IAV infection model, but less is known about the mechanisms leading to the resolution of inflammation. Here, we analyzed the contribution of CD11b\(^{+}\)Ly6C\(^{++}\)Ly6G\(^{-}\) cells to this process. An accumulation of CD11b\(^{+}\)Ly6C\(^{++}\)Ly6G\(^{-}\) cells within the lungs was observed during the course of IAV infection. Phenotypic characterization of these CD11b\(^{+}\)Ly6C\(^{++}\)Ly6G\(^{-}\) cells by flow cytometry and RNA-Seq revealed an activated phenotype showing both pro- and anti-inflammatory features, including the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by a fraction of cells in an IFN-γ-dependent manner. Moreover, CD11b\(^{+}\)Ly6C\(^{++}\)Ly6G\(^{-}\) cells isolated from lungs of IAV-infected animals displayed suppressive activity when tested in vitro, and iNOS inhibitors could abrogate this suppressive activity. Collectively, our data suggest that during IAV infection, CD11b\(^{+}\)Ly6C\(^{++}\)Ly6G\(^{-}\) cells acquire immunoregulatory function, which might contribute to the prevention of pathology during this life-threatening disease.}, language = {en} } @article{MakgotlhoMarincolaSchaeferetal.2013, author = {Makgotlho, Phuti E. and Marincola, Gabriella and Sch{\"a}fer, Daniel and Liu, Quian and Bae, Taeok and Geiger, Tobias and Wasserman, Elizabeth and Wolz, Christine and Ziebuhr, Wilma and Sinha, Bhanu}, title = {SDS Interferes with SaeS Signaling of Staphylococcus aureus Independently of SaePQ}, series = {PLOS ONE}, volume = {8}, journal = {PLOS ONE}, number = {8}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0071644}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-128469}, pages = {e71644}, year = {2013}, abstract = {The Staphylococcus aureus regulatory saePQRS system controls the expression of numerous virulence factors, including extracellular adherence protein (Eap), which amongst others facilitates invasion of host cells. The saePQRS operon codes for 4 proteins: the histidine kinase SaeS, the response regulator SaeR, the lipoprotein SaeP and the transmembrane protein SaeQ. S. aureus strain Newman has a single amino acid substitution in the transmembrane domain of SaeS (L18P) which results in constitutive kinase activity. SDS was shown to be one of the signals interfering with SaeS activity leading to inhibition of the sae target gene eap in strains with SaeS(L) but causing activation in strains containing SaeS(P). Here, we analyzed the possible involvement of the SaeP protein and saePQ region in SDS-mediated sae/eap expression. We found that SaePQ is not needed for SDS-mediated SaeS signaling. Furthermore, we could show that SaeS activity is closely linked to the expression of Eap and the capacity to invade host cells in a number of clinical isolates. This suggests that SaeS activity might be directly modulated by structurally non-complex environmental signals, as SDS, which possibly altering its kinase/phosphatase activity.}, language = {en} } @article{LeonCalvijoLealCastroAlmanzarReinaetal.2015, author = {Le{\´o}n-Calvijo, Mar{\´i}a A. and Leal-Castro, Aura L. and Almanzar-Reina, Giovanni A. and Rosas-P{\´e}rez, Jaiver E. and Garc{\´i}a-Casta{\~n}eda, Javier E. and Rivera-Monroy, Zuly J.}, title = {Antibacterial activity of synthetic peptides derived from lactoferricin against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212}, series = {BioMed Research International}, journal = {BioMed Research International}, number = {453826}, doi = {10.1155/2015/453826}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-144591}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Peptides derived from human and bovine lactoferricin were designed, synthesized, purified, and characterized using RP-HPLC and MALDI-TOF-MS. Specific changes in the sequences were designed as (i) the incorporation of unnatural amino acids in the sequence, the (ii) reduction or (iii) elongation of the peptide chain length, and (iv) synthesis of molecules with different number of branches containing the same sequence. For each peptide, the antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 was evaluated. Our results showed that Peptides I.2 (RWQWRWQWR) and I.4 ((RRWQWR)\(_{4}\)K\(_{2}\)Ahx\(_{2}\)C\(_{2}\)) exhibit bigger or similar activity against E. coli (MIC 4-33 μM) and E. faecalis (MIC 10-33 μM) when they were compared with lactoferricin protein (LF) and some of its derivate peptides as II.1 (FKCRRWQWRMKKLGA) and IV.1 (FKCRRWQWRMKKLGAPSITCVRRAE). It should be pointed out that Peptides I.2 and I.4, containing the RWQWR motif, are short and easy to synthesize; our results demonstrate that it is possible to design and obtain synthetic peptides that exhibit enhanced antibacterial activity using a methodology that is fast and low-cost and that allows obtaining products with a high degree of purity and high yield.}, language = {en} } @article{KunzKozjakPavlovic2019, author = {Kunz, Tobias C. and Kozjak-Pavlovic, Vera}, title = {Diverse facets of sphingolipid involvement in bacterial infections}, series = {Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology}, volume = {7}, journal = {Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology}, number = {203}, doi = {10.3389/fcell.2019.00203}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-201757}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Sphingolipids are constituents of the cell membrane that perform various tasks as structural elements and signaling molecules, in addition to regulating many important cellular processes, such as apoptosis and autophagy. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that sphingolipids and sphingolipid signaling play a vital role in infection processes. In many cases the attachment and uptake of pathogenic bacteria, as well as bacterial development and survival within the host cell depend on sphingolipids. In addition, sphingolipids can serve as antimicrobials, inhibiting bacterial growth and formation of biofilms. This review will give an overview of our current information about these various aspects of sphingolipid involvement in bacterial infections.}, language = {en} } @article{KincaidChenCoxetal.2014, author = {Kincaid, Rodney P. and Chen, Yating and Cox, Jennifer E. and Rethwilm, Axel and Sullivan, Christopher S.}, title = {Noncanonical MicroRNA (miRNA) Biogenesis Gives Rise to Retroviral Mimics of Lymphoproliferative and Immunosuppressive Host miRNAs}, series = {mBio}, volume = {5}, journal = {mBio}, number = {2}, issn = {2150-7511}, doi = {10.1128/mBio.00074-14}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-117216}, pages = {e00074-14}, year = {2014}, abstract = {MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play regulatory roles in diverse processes in both eukaryotic hosts and their viruses, yet fundamental questions remain about which viruses code for miRNAs and the functions that they serve. Simian foamy viruses (SFVs) of Old World monkeys and apes can zoonotically infect humans and, by ill-defined mechanisms, take up lifelong infections in their hosts. Here, we report that SFVs encode multiple miRNAs via a noncanonical mode of biogenesis. The primary SFV miRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs) are transcribed by RNA polymerase III (RNAP III) and take multiple forms, including some that are cleaved by Drosha. However, these miRNAs are generated in a context-dependent fashion, as longer RNAP II transcripts spanning this region are resistant to Drosha cleavage. This suggests that the virus may avoid any fitness penalty that could be associated with viral genome/transcript cleavage. Two SFV miRNAs share sequence similarity and functionality with notable host miRNAs, the lymphoproliferative miRNA miR-155 and the innate immunity suppressor miR-132. These results have important implications regarding foamy virus biology, viral miRNAs, and the development of retroviral-based vectors. IMPORTANCE Fundamental questions remain about which viruses encode miRNAs and their associated functions. Currently, few natural viruses with RNA genomes have been reported to encode miRNAs. Simian foamy viruses are retroviruses that are prevalent in nonhuman host populations, and some can zoonotically infect humans who hunt primates or work as animal caretakers. We identify a cluster of miRNAs encoded by SFV. Characterization of these miRNAs reveals evolutionarily conserved, unconventional mechanisms to generate small RNAs. Several SFV miRNAs share sequence similarity and functionality with host miRNAs, including the oncogenic miRNA miR-155 and innate immunity suppressor miR-132. Strikingly, unrelated herpesviruses also tap into one or both of these same regulatory pathways, implying relevance to a broad range of viruses. These findings provide new insights with respect to foamy virus biology and vectorology.}, language = {en} } @article{HeydarianYangSchweinlinetal.2019, author = {Heydarian, Motaharehsadat and Yang, Tao and Schweinlin, Matthias and Steinke, Maria and Walles, Heike and Rudel, Thomas and Kozjak-Pavlovic, Vera}, title = {Biomimetic human tissue model for long-term study of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection}, series = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, number = {1740}, issn = {1664-302X}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2019.01740}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-197912}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Gonorrhea is the second most common sexually transmitted infection in the world and is caused by Gram-negative diplococcus Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Since N. gonorrhoeae is a human-specific pathogen, animal infection models are only of limited use. Therefore, a suitable in vitro cell culture model for studying the complete infection including adhesion, transmigration and transport to deeper tissue layers is required. In the present study, we generated three independent 3D tissue models based on porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) scaffold by co-culturing human dermal fibroblasts with human colorectal carcinoma, endometrial epithelial, and male uroepithelial cells. Functional analyses such as transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and FITC-dextran assay indicated the high barrier integrity of the created monolayer. The histological, immunohistochemical, and ultra-structural analyses showed that the 3D SIS scaffold-based models closely mimic the main characteristics of the site of gonococcal infection in human host including the epithelial monolayer, the underlying connective tissue, mucus production, tight junction, and microvilli formation. We infected the established 3D tissue models with different N. gonorrhoeae strains and derivatives presenting various phenotypes regarding adhesion and invasion. The results indicated that the disruption of tight junctions and increase in interleukin production in response to the infection is strain and cell type-dependent. In addition, the models supported bacterial survival and proved to be better suitable for studying infection over the course of several days in comparison to commonly used Transwell® models. This was primarily due to increased resilience of the SIS scaffold models to infection in terms of changes in permeability, cell destruction and bacterial transmigration. In summary, the SIS scaffold-based 3D tissue models of human mucosal tissues represent promising tools for investigating N. gonorrhoeae infections under close-to-natural conditions.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Herrmann2009, author = {Herrmann, Petra}, title = {Entwicklung und Evaluierung neuer Methoden zur Analyse des Proteoms von Listeria monocytogenes in infizierten Wirtszellen}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-37500}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2009}, abstract = {In dieser Arbeit wurden neue Methoden zur Analyse des Proteoms von Listeria monocytogenes in infizierten Wirtszellen entwickelt und evaluiert. Proteomische Analysen k{\"o}nnen im Vergleich zu transkriptomischen Analysen durch Erfassung von Proteinmengen und eventuell auch posttranslationalen Modifikationen, sowie von Abbauprozessen ein genaueres Abbild des Funktionszustands einer Zelle unter unterschiedlichen Umweltbedingungen darstellen. Das Hauptproblem bei proteomischen Untersuchungen an in eukaryontischen Wirtszellen gewachsenen Bakterien, n{\"a}mlich die {\"U}berlagerung des bakteriellen Proteinmusters durch die im {\"U}berschuss vorhandenen Wirtszellproteine, musste in dieser Arbeit {\"u}berwunden werden. Es wurde eine Methode etabliert, intrazellul{\"a}r gewachsene Bakterien {\"u}ber Bindung an paramagnetische Partikel („Beads") und anschließende Magnetseparation selektiv von Wirtszellkomponenten abzutrennen. Dabei wurden drei Beads-Varianten mit unterschiedlicher Beschichtung gew{\"a}hlt: Dynabeads anti Listeria (Dynal, Oslo), Kieselgel \&\#61483; Magnetit Beads (MERCK in Entwicklung), Dynabeads M-270 Epoxy - CBD Beads (Beschichtung mit Phagenlysin Ply 118). Hierbei konnte nur f{\"u}r die Kieselgel + Magnetit Beads eine hinreichende Isolierungsrate f{\"u}r die Methode der 2-D-Gelelektrophorese von 6-7* 10**7 Listerien/ Zellkulturflasche erreicht werden. Im 2-D-Proteingel zeigte sich jedoch eine starke Streifenbildung, wodurch sich dieser Ansatz als nicht auswertbar erwies. In einem alternativen Ansatz gelang es, aus Infektionen an J774-Makrophagen, die Listerien mittels konsekutiver Waschschritte von Wirtszellproteinen aufzureinigen. Es konnten aus den Infektionen 30-50 µg listerielles Protein isoliert und zweidimensional aufgetrennt werden, wobei das Proteinpattern qualitativ eindeutig dem von in vitro gewachsenen Listeria monocytogenes entsprach. Auf diese Weise konnten 38 Proteine von Listeria monocytogenes, welche von Listerien w{\"a}hrend der Infektion in Makrophagen induziert oder reprimiert werden anhand der Deta-2-D Software identifiziert, quantifiziert und statistisch ausgewertet werden. F{\"u}r einige der hier mittels der neu entwickelten Methode identifizierten Proteine konnte anhand der der vorliegenden Literatur (zu Transkriptom, Sekretom, Virulenz von Listeria) bereits eine Beteiligung am Virulenzgeschehen nachgewiesen werden. Zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt unterliegt die proteomische Analyse einigen Limitierungen, z.B. beim Nachweis von schwach exprimierten, stark alkalischen, stark hydrophoben, hochmolekularen und niedermolekularen Proteinen, so dass die derzeitige Methodik noch nicht das gesamte Proteom abdecken kann. Dass die „klassischen" Virulenzfaktoren pathogener Listerien, Listeriolysin O (LLO), die Phospholipasen PlcA und PlcB, sowie ActA hier nicht erfasst wurden, ist darin begr{\"u}ndet, dass es sich um sekretierte Proteine handelt. Besondere Bedeutung kommt der Beobachtung zu, dass nur in ganz wenigen F{\"a}llen (z.B. Pgm, ClpP, Pgi, TrxB, MurC) die nachgewiesenen intrazellul{\"a}ren Ver{\"a}nderungen der Proteinmenge mit den von anderen publizierten Transkriptionsdaten {\"u}bereinstimmen. Diese Diskrepanzen stellen keine Artefakte dar, sondern sind durch intrazellul{\"a}re posttranskriptionelle Mechanismen begr{\"u}ndet. Insgesamt zeigte auch diese Proteinanalyse , dass bei Replikation von Listeria monocytogenes im Cytosol eukaryontischer Wirtszellen zahlreiche komplexe Anpassungen von teils zentralen aber auch peripheren Stoffwechselwegen und Biosynthesen der Bakterien an dieses spezielle Milieu ablaufen.}, subject = {Listeria monocytogenes}, language = {de} } @article{HeidrichWiegandBuggischetal.2014, author = {Heidrich, Benjamin and Wiegand, Steffen B. and Buggisch, Peter and Hinrichsen, Holger and Link, Ralph and M{\"o}ller, Bernd and B{\"o}ker, Klaus H. W. and Teuber, Gerlinde and Klinker, Hartwig and Zehnter, Elmar and Naumann, Uwe and Busch, Heiner W. and Maasoumy, Benjamin and Baum, Undine and Hardtke, Svenja and Manns, Michael P. and Wedemeyer, Heiner and Petersen, J{\"o}rg and Cornberg, Markus}, title = {Treatment of Naive Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Genotypes 2 and 3 with Pegylated Interferon Alpha and Ribavirin in a Real World Setting: Relevance for the New Era of DAA}, series = {PLOS ONE}, volume = {9}, journal = {PLOS ONE}, number = {10}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0108751}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-115149}, pages = {e108751}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Evidence based clinical guidelines are implemented to treat patients efficiently that include efficacy, tolerability but also health economic considerations. This is of particular relevance to the new direct acting antiviral agents that have revolutionized treatment of chronic hepatitis C. For hepatitis C genotypes 2/3 interferon free treatment is already available with sofosbuvir plus ribavirin. However, treatment with sofosbuvir-based regimens is 10-20 times more expensive compared to pegylated interferon alfa and ribavirin (PegIFN/RBV). It has to be discussed if PegIFN/RBV is still an option for easy to treat patients. We assessed the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C genotypes 2/3 with PegIFN/RBV in a real world setting according to the latest German guidelines. Overall, 1006 patients were recruited into a prospective patient registry with 959 having started treatment. The intention-to-treat analysis showed poor SVR (GT2 61\%, GT3 47\%) while patients with adherence had excellent SVR in the per protocol analysis (GT2 96\%, GT3 90\%). According to guidelines, 283 patients were candidates for shorter treatment duration, namely a treatment of 16 weeks (baseline HCV-RNA <800.000 IU/mL, no cirrhosis and RVR). However, 65\% of these easy to treat patients have been treated longer than recommended that resulted in higher costs but not higher SVR rates. In conclusion, treatment with PegIFN/RBV in a real world setting can be highly effective yet similar effective than PegIFN +/- sofosbuvir/RBV in well-selected naive G2/3 patients. Full adherence to guidelines could be further improved, because it would be important in the new era with DAA, especially to safe resources.}, language = {en} } @article{HeidrichCordesKlinkeretal.2015, author = {Heidrich, Benjamin and Cordes, Hans-J{\"o}rg and Klinker, Hartwig and M{\"o}ller, Bernd and Naumann, Uwe and R{\"o}ssle, Martin and Kraus, Michael R. and B{\"o}ker, Klaus H. and Roggel, Christoph and Schuchmann, Marcus and Stoehr, Albrecht and Trein, Andreas and Hardtke, Svenja and Gonnermann, Andrea and Koch, Armin and Wedemeyer, Heiner and Manns, Michael P. and Cornberg, Markus}, title = {Treatment Extension of Pegylated Interferon Alpha and Ribavirin Does Not Improve SVR in Patients with Genotypes 2/3 without Rapid Virological Response (OPTEX Trial): A Prospective, Randomized, Two-Arm, Multicentre Phase IV Clinical Trial}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {10}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {6}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0128069}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-151811}, pages = {e0128069}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Although sofosbuvir has been approved for patients with genotypes 2/3 (G2/3), many parts of the world still consider pegylated Interferon alpha (P) and ribavirin (R) as standard of care for G2/3. Patients with rapid virological response (RVR) show response rates >80\%. However, SVR (sustained virological response) in non-RVR patients is not satisfactory. Longer treatment duration may be required but evidence from prospective trials are lacking. A total of 1006 chronic HCV genotype 2/3 patients treated with P/R were recruited into a German HepNet multicenter screening registry. Of those, only 226 patients were still HCV RNA positive at week 4 (non-RVR). Non-RVR patients with ongoing response after 24 weeks P-2b/R qualified for OPTEX, a randomized trial investigating treatment extension of additional 24 weeks (total 48 weeks, Group A) or additional 12 weeks (total 36 weeks, group B) of 1.5 \(\mu\)g/kg P-2b and 800-1400 mg R. Due to the low number of patients without RVR, the number of 150 anticipated study patients was not met and only 99 non-RVR patients (n=50 Group A, n=49 Group B) could be enrolled into the OPTEX trial. Baseline factors did not differ between groups. Sixteen patients had G2 and 83 patients G3. Based on the ITT (intention-to-treat) analysis, 68\% [55\%; 81\%] in Group A and 57\% [43\%; 71\%] in Group B achieved SVR (p=0.31). The primary endpoint of better SVR rates in Group A compared to a historical control group (SVR 70\%) was not met. In conclusion, approximately 23\% of G2/3 patients did not achieve RVR in a real world setting. However, subsequent recruitment in a treatment-extension study was difficult. Prolonged therapy beyond 24 weeks did not result in higher SVR compared to a historical control group.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Hager2011, author = {Hager, Benjamin Dietrich}, title = {Einfluss eines antibiotikagetr{\"a}nkten Schwammes auf sternale Wundkomplikationen - eine prospektiv randomisierte Doppelblindstudie}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-74955}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Die prophylaktische retrosternale Einlage eines Gentamicin-Kollagen Schwammes wurde in letzter Zeit in mehreren Studien untersucht und ist wird kontrovers diskutiert. Die vorliegende Studie ist die erste prospektiv randomisierte, Einzelzentrums-Doppelblind-Studie zur Untersuchung der Effektivit{\"a}t, im Hinblick auf die Reduktion sternaler Wundkomplikationen nach herzchirurgischen Eingriffen, eines retrosternal eingelegten Gentamicin-Kollagen-Schwammes.}, subject = {Wundinfektion}, language = {de} } @article{GlaserSilwedelFehrholzetal.2017, author = {Glaser, Kirsten and Silwedel, Christine and Fehrholz, Markus and Waaga-Gasser, Ana M. and Henrich, Birgit and Claus, Heike and Speer, Christian P.}, title = {Ureaplasma Species Differentially Modulate Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine Responses in Newborn and Adult Human Monocytes Pushing the State Toward Pro-Inflammation}, series = {Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology}, volume = {7}, journal = {Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology}, number = {484}, doi = {10.3389/fcimb.2017.00484}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-169958}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Ureaplasma species have been associated with chorioamnionitis and preterm birth and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of neonatal short and long-term morbidity. However, being mostly commensal bacteria, controversy remains on the pro-inflammatory capacity of Ureaplasma. Discussions are ongoing on the incidence and impact of prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal infection. The present study addressed the impact of Ureaplasma isolates on monocyte-driven inflammation. Methods: Cord blood monocytes of term neonates and adult monocytes, either native or LPS-primed, were cultured with Ureaplasma urealyticum (U. urealyticum) serovar 8 (Uu8) and Ureaplasma parvum serovar 3 (Up3). Using qRT-PCR, cytokine flow cytometry, and multi-analyte immunoassay, we assessed mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, IL-12p40, IL-10, and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) as well as Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4. Results: Uu8 and Up3 induced mRNA expression and protein release of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-8 in term neonatal and adult monocytes (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). Intracellular protein expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-8 in Ureaplasma-stimulated cells paralleled those results. Ureaplasma-induced cytokine levels did not significantly differ from LPS-mediated levels except for lower intracellular IL-1β in adult monocytes (Uu8: p < 0.05). Remarkably, ureaplasmas did not induce IL-12p40 response and promoted lower amounts of anti-inflammatory IL-10 and IL-1ra than LPS, provoking a cytokine imbalance more in favor of pro-inflammation (IL-1β/IL-10, IL-8/IL-10 and IL-8/IL-1ra: p < 0.01, vs. LPS). In contrast to LPS, both isolates induced TLR2 mRNA in neonatal and adult cells (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05) and suppressed TLR4 mRNA in adult monocytes (p < 0.05). Upon co-stimulation, Uu8 and Up3 inhibited LPS-induced intracellular IL-1β (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05) and IL-8 in adult monocytes (p < 0.01), while LPS-induced neonatal cytokines were maintained or aggravated (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our data demonstrate a considerable pro-inflammatory capacity of Ureaplasma isolates in human monocytes. Stimulating pro-inflammatory cytokine responses while hardly inducing immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, ureaplasmas might push monocyte immune responses toward pro-inflammation. Inhibition of LPS-induced cytokines in adult monocytes in contrast to sustained inflammation in term neonatal monocytes indicates a differential modulation of host immune responses to a second stimulus. Modification of TLR2 and TLR4 expression may shape host susceptibility to inflammation.}, language = {en} } @article{GerovaWickeChiharaetal.2021, author = {Gerova, Milan and Wicke, Laura and Chihara, Kotaro and Schneider, Cornelius and Lavigne, Rob and Vogel, J{\"o}rg}, title = {A grad-seq view of RNA and protein complexes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa under standard and bacteriophage predation conditions}, series = {mbio}, volume = {12}, journal = {mbio}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1128/mBio.03454-20}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-259054}, pages = {e03454-20}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa is not only a major cause of nosocomial infections but also serves as a model species of bacterial RNA biology. While its transcriptome architecture and posttranscriptional regulation through the RNA-binding proteins Hfq, RsmA, and RsmN have been studied in detail, global information about stable RNA-protein complexes in this human pathogen is currently lacking. Here, we implement gradient profiling by sequencing (Grad-seq) in exponentially growing P. aeruginosa cells to comprehensively predict RNA and protein complexes, based on glycerol gradient sedimentation profiles of >73\% of all transcripts and ∼40\% of all proteins. As to benchmarking, our global profiles readily reported complexes of stable RNAs of P. aeruginosa, including 6S RNA with RNA polymerase and associated product RNAs (pRNAs). We observe specific clusters of noncoding RNAs, which correlate with Hfq and RsmA/N, and provide a first hint that P. aeruginosa expresses a ProQ-like FinO domain-containing RNA-binding protein. To understand how biological stress may perturb cellular RNA/protein complexes, we performed Grad-seq after infection by the bacteriophage ΦKZ. This model phage, which has a well-defined transcription profile during host takeover, displayed efficient translational utilization of phage mRNAs and tRNAs, as evident from their increased cosedimentation with ribosomal subunits. Additionally, Grad-seq experimentally determines previously overlooked phage-encoded noncoding RNAs. Taken together, the Pseudomonas protein and RNA complex data provided here will pave the way to a better understanding of RNA-protein interactions during viral predation of the bacterial cell. IMPORTANCE Stable complexes by cellular proteins and RNA molecules lie at the heart of gene regulation and physiology in any bacterium of interest. It is therefore crucial to globally determine these complexes in order to identify and characterize new molecular players and regulation mechanisms. Pseudomonads harbor some of the largest genomes known in bacteria, encoding ∼5,500 different proteins. Here, we provide a first glimpse on which proteins and cellular transcripts form stable complexes in the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We additionally performed this analysis with bacteria subjected to the important and frequently encountered biological stress of a bacteriophage infection. We identified several molecules with established roles in a variety of cellular pathways, which were affected by the phage and can now be explored for their role during phage infection. Most importantly, we observed strong colocalization of phage transcripts and host ribosomes, indicating the existence of specialized translation mechanisms during phage infection. All data are publicly available in an interactive and easy to use browser.}, language = {en} } @article{GarciaBetancurGoniMorenoHorgeretal.2017, author = {Garc{\´i}a-Betancur, Juan-Carlos and Go{\~n}i-Moreno, Angel and Horger, Thomas and Schott, Melanie and Sharan, Malvika and Eikmeier, Julian and Wohlmuth, Barbara and Zernecke, Alma and Ohlsen, Knut and Kuttler, Christina and Lopez, Daniel}, title = {Cell differentiation defines acute and chronic infection cell types in Staphylococcus aureus}, series = {eLife}, volume = {6}, journal = {eLife}, number = {e28023}, doi = {10.7554/eLife.28023}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-170346}, year = {2017}, abstract = {A central question to biology is how pathogenic bacteria initiate acute or chronic infections. Here we describe a genetic program for cell-fate decision in the opportunistic human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, which generates the phenotypic bifurcation of the cells into two genetically identical but different cell types during the course of an infection. Whereas one cell type promotes the formation of biofilms that contribute to chronic infections, the second type is planktonic and produces the toxins that contribute to acute bacteremia. We identified a bimodal switch in the agr quorum sensing system that antagonistically regulates the differentiation of these two physiologically distinct cell types. We found that extracellular signals affect the behavior of the agr bimodal switch and modify the size of the specialized subpopulations in specific colonization niches. For instance, magnesium-enriched colonization niches causes magnesium binding to S. aureusteichoic acids and increases bacterial cell wall rigidity. This signal triggers a genetic program that ultimately downregulates the agr bimodal switch. Colonization niches with different magnesium concentrations influence the bimodal system activity, which defines a distinct ratio between these subpopulations; this in turn leads to distinct infection outcomes in vitro and in an in vivo murine infection model. Cell differentiation generates physiological heterogeneity in clonal bacterial infections and helps to determine the distinct infection types.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Duell2010, author = {D{\"u}ll, Michaela}, title = {Untersuchungen zur Effizienz und zum Nebenwirkungsspektrum einer Interferon-haltigen Therapie der chronischen Hepatitis C unter besonderer Ber{\"u}cksichtigung h{\"a}matologischer Ver{\"a}nderungen}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-57262}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2010}, abstract = {In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden die Behandlungsabl{\"a}ufe von Patienten mit chronischer Hepatitis C unter Therapie mit Standard-Interferon (Kollektiv 1) bzw. mit pegyliertem Interferon (Kollektiv 2) ausgewertet. Die meisten Patienten erhielten eine Kombinationstherapie mit Ribavirin. Es bestand Strukturgleichheit f{\"u}r die Kollektive hinsichtlich Alter, Geschlecht, BMI vor Therapie, {\"U}bertragungsweg der Hepatitis, Hepatitis B-Infektion, HAI-Grading-Score und HAI-Staging-Score. Ein signifikanter Unterschied bestand f{\"u}r das Merkmal HIV-Koinfektion. Nach Therapiebeginn zeigte sich ein schnell einsetzendes serologisches und virologisches Ansprechen. Patienten unter Therapie mit pegyliertem Interferon und Ribavirin hatten die besten Chancen auf ein anhaltendes Therapieansprechen. Eine early virological Response war ein guter Pr{\"a}diktor f{\"u}r das Erreichen einer sustained virological Response. Die meisten Patienten berichteten {\"u}ber Nebenwirkungen unter Therapie. Die h{\"a}ufigsten Nebenwirkungen waren M{\"u}digkeit und Schmerzen, v.a. in Form von Kopfschmerzen. Diese kamen jeweils bei ca. 70\% der Patienten vor. Eine An{\"a}mie trat bei ca. 9\% der Patienten auf. H{\"a}matokrit, H{\"a}moglobin und Erythrozyten sanken im Kollektiv 2 st{\"a}rker ab als im Kollektiv 1. Unter Kombinationstherapie mit Ribavirin sank das H{\"a}moglobin zudem mehr ab als unter Interferon- Monotherapie, was auf den h{\"a}molytischen Effekt des Ribavirins zur{\"u}ckzuf{\"u}hren ist. Thrombozyten fielen unter Kombinationstherapie im Kollektiv 1 deutlich geringer ab als im Kollektiv 2, was durch einen st{\"a}rkeren myelosuppressiven Effekt des pegylierten Interferons bedingt sein k{\"o}nnte. Im Kollektiv 1 sanken die Thrombozyten unter Monotherapie st{\"a}rker ab als unter Kombinationstherapie. Leukopenien traten h{\"a}ufiger unter Therapie mit pegyliertem Interferon auf. Insgesamt zeigte sich im hier analysierten Kollektiv ein geringes Risiko f{\"u}r eine Neutropenie oder Lymphopenie. Vor allem {\"a}ltere Patienten mit niedrigen neutrophilen Granulozyten bzw. Lymphozyten vor Therapie schienen ein erh{\"o}htes Risiko f{\"u}r eine Neutropenie bzw. Lymphopenie zu haben. Das Therapieansprechen und die Therapiedauer waren f{\"u}r Patienten mit bzw. ohne Leukopenie, Neutropenie oder Lymphopenie {\"a}hnlich. F{\"u}r Infektionen fand sich ebenfalls kein signifikant erh{\"o}htes Risiko bei Patienten mit Leukopenie, Neutropenie oder Lymphopenie. 16\% der Patienten im Gesamtkollektiv hatten eine Infektion unter Therapie. Es zeigte sich kein Unterschied zwischen Kollektiv 1 und 2 f{\"u}r Infektionen unter Therapie. Patienten mit bzw. ohne Infektion wurden hinsichtlich der Merkmale Alter, Geschlecht, BMI, Hepatitis B-Infektion, Hepatitis G/GB-Infektion und HIV-Infektion verglichen. Zudem wurden die pr{\"a}therapeutischen Laborwerte Ferritin, Viruslast, Eisen, TSH, GPT, GOT, H{\"a}moglobin, H{\"a}matokrit, Leukozyten, neutrophile Granulozyten, Lymphozyten, Thrombozyten und Erythrozyten gegen{\"u}bergestellt und Therapiedauer und Therapieansprechen f{\"u}r Patienten mit bzw. ohne Infektion erhoben. F{\"u}r keines dieser Kriterien lag ein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen Patienten mit Infektion und Patienten ohne Infektion vor. Die meisten Infektionen waren unkomplizierte, respiratorische Infektionen. Diese traten f{\"u}r Patienten mit Neutropenie und Patienten ohne Neutropenie gleich h{\"a}ufig auf. HIV-Patienten hatten ein h{\"o}heres Infektionsrisiko. Jedoch war der Unterschied nicht signifikant. Beim Vergleich des prozentualen Absinkens der Lymphozyten vom Ausgangswert zeigte sich ein schwach signifikanter Unterschied zwischen den Werten zu Infektionszeitpunkten und den Werte f{\"u}r Patienten ohne Infektion. F{\"u}r die absoluten Werte war der Unterschied nicht signifikant. F{\"u}r neutrophile Granulozyten und Leukozyten fanden sich keine Unterschiede zwischen den Werten f{\"u}r Infekt-Patienten zum Infektionszeitpunkt, den Werten zu infektfreien Zeitpunkten und den Werten f{\"u}r Patienten ohne Infektion. Insgesamt fand sich im hier untersuchten Kollektiv keine Assoziation von Infektionen unter Interferontherapie mit Leukopenien oder Neutropenien. Ein Absinken der neutrophilen Granulozyten scheint daher in gr{\"o}ßerem Maße ohne Dosisreduktion tolerierbar zu sein als bisher empfohlen. Ein relativer Lymphozytenmangel k{\"o}nnte mit dem Auftreten von Infektionen assoziiert sein. F{\"u}r den absoluten Lymphozytenmangel fand sich diese Assoziation jedoch nicht.}, subject = {hepatitis c}, language = {de} } @article{DuehringGermerodtSkerkaetal.2015, author = {D{\"u}hring, Sybille and Germerodt, Sebastian and Skerka, Christine and Zipfel, Peter F. and Dandekar, Thomas and Schuster, Stefan}, title = {Host-pathogen interactions between the human innate immune system and Candida albicans - understanding and modeling defense and evasion strategies}, series = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {6}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, number = {625}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2015.00625}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-151621}, year = {2015}, abstract = {The diploid, polymorphic yeast Candida albicans is one of the most important human pathogenic fungi. C. albicans can grow, proliferate and coexist as a commensal on or within the human host for a long time. However, alterations in the host environment can render C. albicans virulent. In this review, we describe the immunological cross-talk between C. albicans and the human innate immune system. We give an overview in form of pairs of human defense strategies including immunological mechanisms as well as general stressors such as nutrient limitation, pH, fever etc. and the corresponding fungal response and evasion mechanisms. Furthermore, Computational Systems Biology approaches to model and investigate these complex interactions are highlighted with a special focus on game-theoretical methods and agent-based models. An outlook on interesting questions to be tackled by Systems Biology regarding entangled defense and evasion mechanisms is given.}, language = {en} } @article{DaeullaryImdahlDietrichetal.2023, author = {D{\"a}ullary, Thomas and Imdahl, Fabian and Dietrich, Oliver and Hepp, Laura and Krammer, Tobias and Fey, Christina and Neuhaus, Winfried and Metzger, Marco and Vogel, J{\"o}rg and Westermann, Alexander J. and Saliba, Antoine-Emmanuel and Zdzieblo, Daniela}, title = {A primary cell-based in vitro model of the human small intestine reveals host olfactomedin 4 induction in response to Salmonella Typhimurium infection}, series = {Gut Microbes}, volume = {15}, journal = {Gut Microbes}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1080/19490976.2023.2186109}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-350451}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Infection research largely relies on classical cell culture or mouse models. Despite having delivered invaluable insights into host-pathogen interactions, both have limitations in translating mechanistic principles to human pathologies. Alternatives can be derived from modern Tissue Engineering approaches, allowing the reconstruction of functional tissue models in vitro. Here, we combined a biological extracellular matrix with primary tissue-derived enteroids to establish an in vitro model of the human small intestinal epithelium exhibiting in vivo-like characteristics. Using the foodborne pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, we demonstrated the applicability of our model to enteric infection research in the human context. Infection assays coupled to spatio-temporal readouts recapitulated the established key steps of epithelial infection by this pathogen in our model. Besides, we detected the upregulation of olfactomedin 4 in infected cells, a hitherto unrecognized aspect of the host response to Salmonella infection. Together, this primary human small intestinal tissue model fills the gap between simplistic cell culture and animal models of infection, and shall prove valuable in uncovering human-specific features of host-pathogen interplay.}, language = {en} } @article{DembekBarquistBoinettetal.2015, author = {Dembek, Marcin and Barquist, Lars and Boinett, Christine J. and Cain, Amy K. and Mayho, Matthew and Lawley, Trevor D. and Fairweather, Neil F. and Fagan, Robert P.}, title = {High-throughput analysis of gene essentiality and sporulation in Clostridium difficile}, series = {mBio}, volume = {6}, journal = {mBio}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1128/mBio.02383-14}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-143745}, pages = {e02383-14}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Clostridium difficile is the most common cause of antibiotic-associated intestinal infections and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Infection with C. difficile requires disruption of the intestinal microbiota, most commonly by antibiotic usage. Therapeutic intervention largely relies on a small number of broad-spectrum antibiotics, which further exacerbate intestinal dysbiosis and leave the patient acutely sensitive to reinfection. Development of novel targeted therapeutic interventions will require a detailed knowledge of essential cellular processes, which represent attractive targets, and species-specific processes, such as bacterial sporulation. Our knowledge of the genetic basis of C. difficile infection has been hampered by a lack of genetic tools, although recent developments have made some headway in addressing this limitation. Here we describe the development of a method for rapidly generating large numbers of transposon mutants in clinically important strains of C. difficile. We validated our transposon mutagenesis approach in a model strain of C. difficile and then generated a comprehensive transposon library in the highly virulent epidemic strain R20291 (027/BI/NAP1) containing more than 70,000 unique mutants. Using transposon-directed insertion site sequencing (TraDIS), we have identified a core set of 404 essential genes, required for growth in vitro. We then applied this technique to the process of sporulation, an absolute requirement for C. difficile transmission and pathogenesis, identifying 798 genes that are likely to impact spore production. The data generated in this study will form a valuable resource for the community and inform future research on this important human pathogen.}, language = {en} } @article{DasenbrookLuDonnolaetal.2013, author = {Dasenbrook, Elliot C. and Lu, Luan and Donnola, Shannon and Weaver, David E. and Gulani, Viskas and Jakob, Peter M. and Konstan, Michael W. and Flask, Chris A.}, title = {Normalized T1 Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Assessment of Regional Lung Function in Adult Cystic Fibrosis Patients - A Cross-Sectional Study}, series = {PLOS ONE}, volume = {8}, journal = {PLOS ONE}, number = {9}, issn = {1932-6203}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-128346}, pages = {e73286}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients would benefit from a safe and effective tool to detect early-stage, regional lung disease to allow for early intervention. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a safe, non-invasive procedure capable of providing quantitative assessments of disease without ionizing radiation. We developed a rapid normalized T1 MRI technique to detect regional lung disease in early-stage CF patients. Materials and Methods: Conventional multislice, pulmonary T1 relaxation time maps were obtained for 10 adult CF patients with normal spirometry and 5 healthy non-CF control subjects using a rapid Look-Locker MRI acquisition (5 seconds/imaging slice). Each lung absolute T1 map was separated into six regions of interest (ROI) by manually selecting upper, central, and lower lung regions in the left and right lungs. In order to reduce the effects of subject-to-subject variation, normalized T1 maps were calculated by dividing each pixel in the absolute T1 maps by the mean T1 time in the central lung region. The primary outcome was the differences in mean normalized T1 values in the upper lung regions between CF patients with normal spirometry and healthy volunteers. Results: Normalized T1 (nT1) maps showed visibly reduced subject-to-subject variation in comparison to conventional absolute T1 maps for healthy volunteers. An ROI analysis showed that the variation in the nT1 values in all regions was <= 2\% of the mean. The primary outcome, the mean (SD) of the normalized T1 values in the upper right lung regions, was significantly lower in the CF subjects [.914 (.037)] compared to the upper right lung regions of the healthy subjects [.983 (.003)] [difference of .069 (95\% confidence interval .032-.105); p=.001). Similar results were seen in the upper left lung region. Conclusion: Rapid normalized T1 MRI relaxometry obtained in 5 seconds/imaging slice may be used to detect regional early-stage lung disease in CF patients.}, language = {en} } @article{CorreiaSantosBischlerWestermannetal.2021, author = {Correia Santos, Sara and Bischler, Thorsten and Westermann, Alexander J. and Vogel, J{\"o}rg}, title = {MAPS integrates regulation of actin-targeting effector SteC into the virulence control network of Salmonella small RNA PinT}, series = {Cell Reports}, volume = {34}, journal = {Cell Reports}, number = {5}, doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108722}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-259134}, pages = {108722}, year = {2021}, abstract = {A full understanding of the contribution of small RNAs (sRNAs) to bacterial virulence demands knowledge of their target suites under infection-relevant conditions. Here, we take an integrative approach to capturing targets of the Hfq-associated sRNA PinT, a known post-transcriptional timer of the two major virulence programs of Salmonella enterica. Using MS2 affinity purification and RNA sequencing (MAPS), we identify PinT ligands in bacteria under in vitro conditions mimicking specific stages of the infection cycle and in bacteria growing inside macrophages. This reveals PinT-mediated translational inhibition of the secreted effector kinase SteC, which had gone unnoticed in previous target searches. Using genetic, biochemical, and microscopic assays, we provide evidence for PinT-mediated repression of steC mRNA, eventually delaying actin rearrangements in infected host cells. Our findings support the role of PinT as a central post-transcriptional regulator in Salmonella virulence and illustrate the need for complementary methods to reveal the full target suites of sRNAs.}, language = {en} } @article{ChumduriTurco2021, author = {Chumduri, Cindrilla and Turco, Margherita Y.}, title = {Organoids of the female reproductive tract}, series = {Journal of Molecular Medicine}, volume = {99}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Medicine}, number = {4}, doi = {10.1007/s00109-020-02028-0}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-328374}, pages = {531-553}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Healthy functioning of the female reproductive tract (FRT) depends on balanced and dynamic regulation by hormones during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and childbirth. The mucosal epithelial lining of different regions of the FRT—ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina—facilitates the selective transport of gametes and successful transfer of the zygote to the uterus where it implants and pregnancy takes place. It also prevents pathogen entry. Recent developments in three-dimensional (3D) organoid systems from the FRT now provide crucial experimental models that recapitulate the cellular heterogeneity and physiological, anatomical and functional properties of the organ in vitro. In this review, we summarise the state of the art on organoids generated from different regions of the FRT. We discuss the potential applications of these powerful in vitro models to study normal physiology, fertility, infections, diseases, drug discovery and personalised medicine.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Breer2007, author = {Breer, Claudia}, title = {Untersuchung zur Populationsdynamik und Effektorfunktionen peripherer Blutzellen im Verlauf einer Masern-Erkrankung bzw. nach Vakzinierung}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-23293}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2007}, abstract = {Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war eine vergleichende Analyse von verschiedenen immunologisch relevanten Parametern im Verlauf einer Masern-Erkrankung bzw. nach einer Masern-Vakzinierung im Hinblick auf ein Verst{\"a}ndnis der Ursache f{\"u}r die mit einer Masern-Infektion einhergehende Immunsuppression. Dabei wurden Blutproben von Patienten zu verschiedenen Zeitpunkten nach Auftreten des Exanthems bzw. nach der Impfung untersucht. Zun{\"a}chst konnte in einer quantitativen Analyse aufgezeigt werden, dass im Rahmen der auftretenden Leukopenie, der prozentuale Anteil distinkter Zelltypen, wie B-, NK-, \&\#945;/\&\#946;- und \&\#947;/\&\#948;-T-Zellen, sowie Monozyten und dendritische Zellen (DCs), sowohl bei Patienten mit akuter Masern-Erkrankung, als auch nach einer Masern-Impfung weitgehend konstant blieb. F{\"u}r eine Erfassung des Aktivierungsgrades von \&\#945;/\&\#946;- und \&\#947;/\&\#948;-T-Zellen wurde der jeweilige Anteil CD11a-, CD54-, CD69- und CD25-exprimierender CD3-positiver Zellen bei Masernpatienten und Impflingen bestimmt. Dabei ergab sich generell in allen o.g. Untersuchungen f{\"u}r \&\#947;/\&\#948;-T-Zellen auf der Basis distinkter Aktivierungsmarker ein h{\"o}herer Prozentsatz positiver Zellen als f{\"u}r \&\#945;/\&\#946;-T-Zellen. Es konnte sowohl f{\"u}r \&\#945;/\&\#946;-T-Zellen, als auch f{\"u}r \&\#947;/\&\#948;-T-Zellen ein erh{\"o}hter Prozentsatz CD54 (ICAM-1)-exprimierender Zellen und ein deutlich geringerer Anteil CD69-exprimierender \&\#945;/\&\#946;-T-Zellen gezeigt werden. Diese Unterschiede blieben {\"u}ber den gesamten Zeitraum (d21 nach Vakzinierung bzw. post Exanthem) erhalten. Desweiteren konnte bei den \&\#947;/\&\#948;-T-Zellen von Masernpatienten f{\"u}r die CD11a-exprimierenden Zellen eine prozentuale Zunahme festgestellt werden; nicht jedoch bei Impflingen. Den regulatorischen CD4+/CD25+/CTLA-4+ T-Zellen werden suppressive Aktivit{\"a}ten im Verlauf einer Immunreaktion zugeschrieben. Ein Vergleich der Proben von Masernpatienten in verschiedenen Infektionsstadien ergab, Anzeichen auf zunehmende Aktivit{\"a}t CD4+/CD25+/CTLA-4+ Treg-Zellen. Beim Vergleich der Akutpatienten und Impflinge bei der Produktion von Typ1 IFN im Rahmen der Immunreaktion zeigten die Ergebnisse, dass im Verlauf der Erkrankung die Mengen an Typ1 IFN allm{\"a}hlich abfielen, w{\"a}hrend sich nach Vakzinierung das Bild uneinheitlich darstellte. Beim Vergleich der Proliferationsf{\"a}higkeit der \&\#945;/\&\#946;- und der \&\#947;/\&\#948;-T-Zellen von Masernpatienten und Impflingen zeigte sich im Verlauf der Akuterkrankung eine deutliche Reduktion, w{\"a}hrend die Ergebnisse der Impflinge weitgehend unver{\"a}ndert bis progredient waren. F{\"u}r die Ermittlung der Kapazit{\"a}t zur Produktion von inflammatorischen Zytokinen wurden isolierte Monozyten restimuliert und die Produktion von IL-6 mittels ELISA bestimmt. Es zeigte sich, dass die Monozyten von Impflingen im Vergleich zu Kontrollen mit einer erh{\"o}hten IL-6 Produktion reagierten. Dagegen war bei den Monozyten von Masern-Patienten die IL-6 Produktion insgesamt supprimiert. Insgesamt zeigen die Befunde, dass eine Reihe von Parametern im Verlauf der Masernerkrankung und nach einer Vakzinierung bemerkenswert unterschiedliche Reaktionsmuster aufweisen.}, language = {de} } @article{BakariSoaleIkengaScheibeetal.2021, author = {Bakari-Soale, Majeed and Ikenga, Nonso Josephat and Scheibe, Marion and Butter, Falk and Jones, Nicola G. and Kramer, Susanne and Engstler, Markus}, title = {The nucleolar DExD/H protein Hel66 is involved in ribosome biogenesis in Trypanosoma brucei}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {11}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-021-97020-0}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-263872}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The biosynthesis of ribosomes is a complex cellular process involving ribosomal RNA, ribosomal proteins and several further trans-acting factors. DExD/H box proteins constitute the largest family of trans-acting protein factors involved in this process. Several members of this protein family have been directly implicated in ribosome biogenesis in yeast. In trypanosomes, ribosome biogenesis differs in several features from the process described in yeast. Here, we have identified the DExD/H box helicase Hel66 as being involved in ribosome biogenesis. The protein is unique to Kinetoplastida, localises to the nucleolus and its depletion via RNAi caused a severe growth defect. Loss of the protein resulted in a decrease of global translation and accumulation of rRNA processing intermediates for both the small and large ribosomal subunits. Only a few factors involved in trypanosome rRNA biogenesis have been described so far and our findings contribute to gaining a more comprehensive picture of this essential process.}, language = {en} } @article{AsciertoWorschechYuetal.2011, author = {Ascierto, Maria Libera and Worschech, Andrea and Yu, Zhiya and Adams, Sharon and Reinboth, Jennifer and Chen, Nanhai G and Pos, Zoltan and Roychoudhuri, Rahul and Di Pasquale, Giovanni and Bedognetti, Davide and Uccellini, Lorenzo and Rossano, Fabio and Ascierto, Paolo A and Stroncek, David F and Restifo, Nicholas P and Wang, Ena and Szalay, Aladar A and Marincola, Francesco M}, title = {Permissivity of the NCI-60 cancer cell lines to oncolytic Vaccinia Virus GLV-1h68}, series = {BMC Cancer}, volume = {11}, journal = {BMC Cancer}, number = {451}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2407-11-451}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-141503}, pages = {1-14}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Background: Oncolytic viral therapy represents an alternative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer. We previously described GLV-1h68, a modified Vaccinia Virus with exclusive tropism for tumor cells, and we observed a cell line-specific relationship between the ability of GLV-1h68 to replicate in vitro and its ability to colonize and eliminate tumor in vivo. Methods: In the current study we surveyed the in vitro permissivity to GLV-1h68 replication of the NCI-60 panel of cell lines. Selected cell lines were also tested for permissivity to another Vaccinia Virus and a vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) strain. In order to identify correlates of permissity to viral infection, we measured transcriptional profiles of the cell lines prior infection. Results: We observed highly heterogeneous permissivity to VACV infection amongst the cell lines. The heterogeneity of permissivity was independent of tissue with the exception of B cell derivation. Cell lines were also tested for permissivity to another Vaccinia Virus and a vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) strain and a significant correlation was found suggesting a common permissive phenotype. While no clear transcriptional pattern could be identified as predictor of permissivity to infection, some associations were observed suggesting multifactorial basis permissivity to viral infection. Conclusions: Our findings have implications for the design of oncolytic therapies for cancer and offer insights into the nature of permissivity of tumor cells to viral infection.}, language = {en} } @article{ApsemidouFuellerIdelevichetal.2020, author = {Apsemidou, Athanasia and F{\"u}ller, Miriam Antonie and Idelevich, Evgeny A. and Kurzai, Oliver and Tragiannidis, Athanasios and Groll, Andreas H.}, title = {Candida lusitaniae breakthrough fungemia in an immuno-compromised adolescent: case report and review of the literature}, series = {Journal of Fungi}, volume = {6}, journal = {Journal of Fungi}, number = {4}, issn = {2309-608X}, doi = {10.3390/jof6040380}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-220125}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Candida lusitaniae is a rare cause of candidemia that is known for its unique capability to rapidly acquire resistance to amphotericin B. We report the case of an adolescent with grade IV graft-vs.-host disease after hematopoietic cell transplantation who developed catheter-associated C. lusitaniae candidemia while on therapeutic doses of liposomal amphotericin B. We review the epidemiology of C. lusitaniae bloodstream infections in adult and pediatric patients, the development of resistance, and its role in breakthrough candidemia. Appropriate species identification, in vitro susceptibility testing, and source control are pivotal to optimal management of C. lusitaniae candidemia. Initial antifungal therapy may consist of an echinocandin and be guided by in vitro susceptibility and clinical response.}, language = {en} } @article{AfonsoGrunzHoffmeierMuelleretal.2015, author = {Afonso-Grunz, Fabian and Hoffmeier, Klaus and M{\"u}ller, S{\"o}ren and Westermann, Alexander J. and Rotter, Bj{\"o}rn and Vogel, J{\"o}rg and Winter, Peter and Kahl, G{\"u}nter}, title = {Dual 3'Seq using deepSuperSAGE uncovers transcriptomes of interacting Salmonella enterica Typhimurium and human host cells}, series = {BMC Genomics}, volume = {16}, journal = {BMC Genomics}, number = {323}, doi = {10.1186/s12864-015-1489-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-143230}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Background: The interaction of eukaryotic host and prokaryotic pathogen cells is linked to specific changes in the cellular proteome, and consequently to infection-related gene expression patterns of the involved cells. To simultaneously assess the transcriptomes of both organisms during their interaction we developed dual 3'Seq, a tag-based sequencing protocol that allows for exact quantification of differentially expressed transcripts in interacting pro-and eukaryotic cells without prior fixation or physical disruption of the interaction. Results: Human epithelial cells were infected with Salmonella enterica Typhimurium as a model system for invasion of the intestinal epithelium, and the transcriptional response of the infected host cells together with the differential expression of invading and intracellular pathogen cells was determined by dual 3'Seq coupled with the next-generation sequencing-based transcriptome profiling technique deepSuperSAGE (deep Serial Analysis of Gene Expression). Annotation to reference transcriptomes comprising the operon structure of the employed S. enterica Typhimurium strain allowed for in silico separation of the interacting cells including quantification of polycistronic RNAs. Eighty-nine percent of the known loci are found to be transcribed in prokaryotic cells prior or subsequent to infection of the host, while 75\% of all protein-coding loci are represented in the polyadenylated transcriptomes of human host cells. Conclusions: Dual 3'Seq was alternatively coupled to MACE (Massive Analysis of cDNA ends) to assess the advantages and drawbacks of a library preparation procedure that allows for sequencing of longer fragments. Additionally, the identified expression patterns of both organisms were validated by qRT-PCR using three independent biological replicates, which confirmed that RELB along with NFKB1 and NFKB2 are involved in the initial immune response of epithelial cells after infection with S. enterica Typhimurium.}, language = {en} }