@article{KressJessenHufnageletal.2023, author = {Kreß, Julia Katharina Charlotte and Jessen, Christina and Hufnagel, Anita and Schmitz, Werner and Da Xavier Silva, Thamara Nishida and Ferreira Dos Santos, Anc{\´e}ly and Mosteo, Laura and Goding, Colin R. and Friedmann Angeli, Jos{\´e} Pedro and Meierjohann, Svenja}, title = {The integrated stress response effector ATF4 is an obligatory metabolic activator of NRF2}, series = {Cell Reports}, volume = {42}, journal = {Cell Reports}, number = {7}, doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112724}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-350312}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Highlights • The integrated stress response leads to a general ATF4-dependent activation of NRF2 • ATF4 causes a CHAC1-dependent GSH depletion, resulting in NRF2 stabilization • An elevation of NRF2 transcript levels fosters this effect • NRF2 supports the ISR/ATF4 pathway by improving cystine and antioxidant supply Summary The redox regulator NRF2 becomes activated upon oxidative and electrophilic stress and orchestrates a response program associated with redox regulation, metabolism, tumor therapy resistance, and immune suppression. Here, we describe an unrecognized link between the integrated stress response (ISR) and NRF2 mediated by the ISR effector ATF4. The ISR is commonly activated after starvation or ER stress and plays a central role in tissue homeostasis and cancer plasticity. ATF4 increases NRF2 transcription and induces the glutathione-degrading enzyme CHAC1, which we now show to be critically important for maintaining NRF2 activation. In-depth analyses reveal that NRF2 supports ATF4-induced cells by increasing cystine uptake via the glutamate-cystine antiporter xCT. In addition, NRF2 upregulates genes mediating thioredoxin usage and regeneration, thus balancing the glutathione decrease. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the NRF2 response serves as second layer of the ISR, an observation highly relevant for the understanding of cellular resilience in health and disease.}, language = {en} } @article{BasslerKnoblichGerhardHartmannetal.2023, author = {Bassler, Miriam C. and Knoblich, Mona and Gerhard-Hartmann, Elena and Mukherjee, Ashutosh and Youssef, Almoatazbellah and Hagen, Rudolf and Haug, Lukas and Goncalves, Miguel and Scherzad, Agmal and St{\"o}th, Manuel and Ostertag, Edwin and Steinke, Maria and Brecht, Marc and Hackenberg, Stephan and Meyer, Till Jasper}, title = {Differentiation of salivary gland and salivary gland tumor tissue via Raman imaging combined with multivariate data analysis}, series = {Diagnostics}, volume = {14}, journal = {Diagnostics}, number = {1}, issn = {2075-4418}, doi = {10.3390/diagnostics14010092}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-355558}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Salivary gland tumors (SGTs) are a relevant, highly diverse subgroup of head and neck tumors whose entity determination can be difficult. Confocal Raman imaging in combination with multivariate data analysis may possibly support their correct classification. For the analysis of the translational potential of Raman imaging in SGT determination, a multi-stage evaluation process is necessary. By measuring a sample set of Warthin tumor, pleomorphic adenoma and non-tumor salivary gland tissue, Raman data were obtained and a thorough Raman band analysis was performed. This evaluation revealed highly overlapping Raman patterns with only minor spectral differences. Consequently, a principal component analysis (PCA) was calculated and further combined with a discriminant analysis (DA) to enable the best possible distinction. The PCA-DA model was characterized by accuracy, sensitivity, selectivity and precision values above 90\% and validated by predicting model-unknown Raman spectra, of which 93\% were classified correctly. Thus, we state our PCA-DA to be suitable for parotid tumor and non-salivary salivary gland tissue discrimination and prediction. For evaluation of the translational potential, further validation steps are necessary.}, language = {en} } @article{WilleSchuemannWreeetal.2015, author = {Wille, Michael and Sch{\"u}mann, Antje and Wree, Andreas and Kreutzer, Michael and Glocker, Michael O. and Mutzbauer, Grit and Schmitt, Oliver}, title = {The Proteome Profiles of the Cerebellum of Juvenile, Adult and Aged Rats-An Ontogenetic Study}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {16}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, doi = {10.3390/ijms160921454}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-151347}, pages = {21454 -- 21485}, year = {2015}, abstract = {In this study, we searched for proteins that change their expression in the cerebellum (Ce) of rats during ontogenesis. This study focuses on the question of whether specific proteins exist which are differentially expressed with regard to postnatal stages of development. A better characterization of the microenvironment and its development may result from these study findings. A differential two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) analysis of the samples revealed that the number of proteins of the functional classes differed depending on the developmental stages. Especially members of the functional classes of biosynthesis, regulatory proteins, chaperones and structural proteins show the highest differential expression within the analyzed stages of development. Therefore, members of these functional protein groups seem to be involved in the development and differentiation of the Ce within the analyzed development stages. In this study, changes in the expression of proteins in the Ce at different postnatal developmental stages (postnatal days (P) 7, 90, and 637) could be observed. At the same time, an identification of proteins which are involved in cell migration and differentiation was possible. Especially proteins involved in processes of the biosynthesis and regulation, the dynamic organization of the cytoskeleton as well as chaperones showed a high amount of differentially expressed proteins between the analyzed dates.}, language = {en} } @article{AnStrisselAlAbboodietal.2022, author = {An, Ran and Strissel, Pamela L. and Al-Abboodi, Majida and Robering, Jan W. and Supachai, Reakasame and Eckstein, Markus and Peddi, Ajay and Hauck, Theresa and B{\"a}uerle, Tobias and Boccaccini, Aldo R. and Youssef, Almoatazbellah and Sun, Jiaming and Strick, Reiner and Horch, Raymund E. and Boos, Anja M. and Kengelbach-Weigand, Annika}, title = {An innovative arteriovenous (AV) loop breast cancer model tailored for cancer research}, series = {Bioengineering}, volume = {9}, journal = {Bioengineering}, number = {7}, issn = {2306-5354}, doi = {10.3390/bioengineering9070280}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-278919}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Animal models are important tools to investigate the pathogenesis and develop treatment strategies for breast cancer in humans. In this study, we developed a new three-dimensional in vivo arteriovenous loop model of human breast cancer with the aid of biodegradable materials, including fibrin, alginate, and polycaprolactone. We examined the in vivo effects of various matrices on the growth of breast cancer cells by imaging and immunohistochemistry evaluation. Our findings clearly demonstrate that vascularized breast cancer microtissues could be engineered and recapitulate the in vivo situation and tumor-stromal interaction within an isolated environment in an in vivo organism. Alginate-fibrin hybrid matrices were considered as a highly powerful material for breast tumor engineering based on its stability and biocompatibility. We propose that the novel tumor model may not only serve as an invaluable platform for analyzing and understanding the molecular mechanisms and pattern of oncologic diseases, but also be tailored for individual therapy via transplantation of breast cancer patient-derived tumors.}, language = {en} } @article{FringsRothRosenwaldetal.2021, author = {Frings, Verena G. and Roth, Sabine and Rosenwald, Andreas and Goebeler, Matthias and Geissinger, Eva and Wobser, Marion}, title = {EBER in situ hybridization in subcutaneous aluminum granulomas/lymphoid hyperplasia: A diagnostic clue to differentiate injection-associated lymphoid hyperplasia from other forms of pseudolymphomas and cutaneous lymphomas}, series = {Journal of Cutaneous Pathology}, volume = {48}, journal = {Journal of Cutaneous Pathology}, number = {5}, doi = {10.1111/cup.13972}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-258405}, pages = {625-631}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background Subcutaneous vaccination or desensitization may induce persistent nodules at the injection sites. Without the knowledge of prior injection, histopathological work-up may be challenging. Objective Aim of this study was to contribute to the histopathological work-up of unclear subcutaneous nodules, especially their differentiation from cutaneous lymphoma. Methods We retrospectively reviewed clinical data and histopathological slides of four patients with subcutaneous nodules, which were suspected to suffer from cutaneous T- or B-cell lymphoma. Sections of these cases and 12 negative controls were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and a standardized immunohistochemical panel of B- and T-cell markers including EBER in situ hybridization as well as electron microscopy. Results In all cases, large histiocytes with granular cytoplasm compatible with intracellular aluminum hydroxide were present. EBER in situ hybridization revealed positive staining of these granular histiocytes while staining was absent in negative controls. Limitations Post hoc completion of medical history revealed that vaccination or specific immunotherapy had been applied before at the biopsy site in only three out of four patients; one patient was lost to follow-up. Conclusion EBER in situ hybridization is an adjunctive tool to differentiate aluminum-induced granuloma/lymphoid hyperplasia from other forms of pseudolymphoma and cutaneous B- or T-cell lymphomas.}, language = {en} } @article{SbieraKircherAltierietal.2021, author = {Sbiera, Iuliu and Kircher, Stefan and Altieri, Barbara and Lenz, Kerstin and Hantel, Constanze and Fassnacht, Martin and Sbiera, Silviu and Kroiss, Matthias}, title = {Role of FGF Receptors and Their Pathways in Adrenocortical Tumors and Possible Therapeutic Implications}, series = {Frontiers in Endocrinology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in Endocrinology}, issn = {1664-2392}, doi = {10.3389/fendo.2021.795116}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-251953}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy and treatment of advanced disease is challenging. Clinical trials with multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the past have yielded disappointing results. Here, we investigated fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors and their pathways in adrenocortical tumors as potential treatment targets. We performed real-time RT-PCR of 93 FGF pathway related genes in a cohort of 39 fresh frozen benign and malignant adrenocortical, 9 non-adrenal tissues and 4 cell lines. The expression of FGF receptors was validated in 166 formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues using RNA in situ hybridization (RNAscope) and correlated with clinical data. In malignant compared to benign adrenal tumors, we found significant differences in the expression of 16/94 FGF receptor pathway related genes. Genes involved in tissue differentiation and metastatic spread through epithelial to mesechymal transition were most strongly altered. The therapeutically targetable FGF receptors 1 and 4 were upregulated 4.6- and 6-fold, respectively, in malignant compared to benign adrenocortical tumors, which was confirmed by RNAscope in FFPE samples. High expression of FGFR1 and 4 was significantly associated with worse patient prognosis in univariate analysis. After multivariate adjustment for the known prognostic factors Ki-67 and ENSAT tumor stage, FGFR1 remained significantly associated with recurrence-free survival (HR=6.10, 95\%CI: 1.78 - 20.86, p=0.004) and FGFR4 with overall survival (HR=3.23, 95\%CI: 1.52 - 6.88, p=0.002). Collectively, our study supports a role of FGF pathways in malignant adrenocortical tumors. Quantification of FGF receptors may enable a stratification of ACC for the use of FGFR inhibitors in future clinical trials.}, language = {en} } @article{ZamoJohnstonAttygalleetal.2020, author = {Zam{\`o}, Alberto and Johnston, Peter and Attygalle, Ayoma D and Laurent, Camille and Arber, Daniel A and Fend, Falko}, title = {Aggressive B-cell lymphomas with a primary bone marrow presentation}, series = {Histopathology}, volume = {77}, journal = {Histopathology}, number = {3}, doi = {10.1111/his.14124}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-218327}, pages = {369 -- 379}, year = {2020}, language = {en} } @article{ZhouSteinhardtDuelletal.2020, author = {Zhou, Xiang and Steinhardt, Maximilian Johannes and D{\"u}ll, Johannes and Krummenast, Franziska and Danhof, Sophia and Meckel, Katharina and Nickel, Katharina and Grathwohl, Denise and Leicht, Hans-Benno and Rosenwald, Andreas and Einsele, Hermann and Rasche, Leo and Kort{\"u}m, Martin}, title = {Obinutuzumab and venetoclax induced complete remission in a patient with ibrutinib-resistant non-nodal leukemic mantle cell lymphoma}, series = {European Journal of Haematology}, volume = {104}, journal = {European Journal of Haematology}, number = {4}, doi = {10.1111/ejh.13382}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-215513}, pages = {352 -- 355}, year = {2020}, abstract = {We herein report the case of a 73-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with leukemic non-nodal MCL. This patient had received six cycles of bendamustine, which resulted in a transient remission, and a second-line therapy with ibrutinib, which unfortunately failed to induce remission. We started a treatment with single-agent obinutuzumab at a dose of 20 mg on day 1, 50 mg on day 2-4, 330 mg on day 5, and 1000 mg on day 6. The laboratory analysis showed a rapid decrease of leukocyte count. Four weeks later, we repeated the treatment with obinutuzumab at a dose of 1000 mg q4w and started a therapy with venetoclax at a dose of 400 mg qd, which could be increased to 800 mg qd from the third cycle. This combination therapy was well tolerated. The patient achieved a complete remission (CR) after three cycles of obinutuzumab and venetoclax. To date, the patient has a progression-free survival of 17 months under ongoing obinutuzumab maintenance q4w. This is the first report about obinutuzumab and venetoclax induced CR in rituximab-intolerant patient with an ibrutinib-resistant MCL. This case suggests that obinutuzumab- and venetoclax-based combination therapy might be salvage therapy in patients with ibrutinib-resistant MCL.}, language = {en} } @article{BarahonadeBritoPatra2022, author = {Barahona de Brito, Carlotta and Patra, Amiya Kumar}, title = {NFAT factors are dispensable for the development but are critical for the maintenance of Foxp3\(^+\) regulatory T cells}, series = {Cells}, volume = {11}, journal = {Cells}, number = {9}, issn = {2073-4409}, doi = {10.3390/cells11091397}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-270668}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The transcription factors of the nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) family play a crucial role in multiple aspects of T cell function. It has recently been reported that NFATs play an important role in the suppressive function of CD4\(^+\)CD25\(^+\)Foxp3\(^+\) regulatory T (T\(_{reg}\)) cells. In this study, we have investigated the role of NFATs in the thymic development of T\(_{reg}\) cells in mice. We show that NFAT factors are dispensable for the development of Foxp3\(^+\) T\(_{reg}\) cells in the thymus but are critical for the maintenance of both the phenotype and survival of T\(_{reg}\) cells in the thymus as well as in peripheral lymphoid organs. Specifically, the homeostasis of CD4\(^+\)CD25\(^+\)Foxp3\(^+\) but not the CD4\(^+\)CD25\(^-\)Foxp3\(^+\) fraction is severely perturbed when NFAT signaling is blocked, leading to a strongly reduced T\(_{reg}\) population. We underscored this intriguing effect of NFAT on CD4\(^+\)CD25\(^+\)Foxp3\(^+\) T\(_{reg}\) cells to the disruption of survival signals provided by interleukin 2 (IL-2). Accordingly, blocking T\(_{reg}\) cell death by abolishing the activity of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member Bim, compensated for the survival defects induced due to a lack of NFAT-IL-2-IL-2R signaling. Inhibition of NFAT activity led to a strong reduction in the number of Foxp3\(^+\) T\(_{reg}\) cells; however, it did not influence the level of Foxp3 expression on an individual cell basis. In addition, we show a differential effect of IL-2 and IL-7 signaling on Foxp3\(^+\) T\(_{reg}\) versus CD4\(^+\)CD25\(^-\) T cell development, again underlining the dispensability of NFAT signaling in the development, but not in the maintenance of Foxp3\(^+\) T\(_{reg}\) cells.}, language = {en} } @article{BohnertGeorgiadesMonoranuetal.2021, author = {Bohnert, Simone and Georgiades, Kosmas and Monoranu, Camelia-Maria and Bohnert, Michael and B{\"u}ttner, Andreas and Ondruschka, Benjamin}, title = {Quantitative evidence of suppressed TMEM119 microglial immunohistochemistry in fatal morphine intoxications}, series = {International Journal of Legal Medicine}, volume = {135}, journal = {International Journal of Legal Medicine}, number = {6}, issn = {1437-1596}, doi = {10.1007/s00414-021-02699-5}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-266934}, pages = {2315-2322}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the diagnostic potential of TMEM119 as a useful microglia-specific marker in combination with immunostainings for phagocytic function and infiltrating capacity of monocytes in cases of lethal monosubstance intoxications by morphine (MOR), methamphetamine (METH), and of ethanol-associated death (ETH) respectively. Human brain tissue samples were obtained from forensic autopsies of cases with single substance abuse (MOR, n = 8; ETH, n = 10; METH, n = 9) and then compared to a cohort of cardiovascular fatalities as controls (n = 9). Brain tissue samples of cortex, white matter, and hippocampus were collected and stained immunohistochemically with antibodies against TMEM119, CD68KiM1P, and CCR2. We could document the lowest density of TMEM119-positive cells in MOR deaths with highly significant differences to the control densities in all three regions investigated. In ETH and METH deaths, the expression of TMEM119 was comparable to cell densities in controls. The results indicate that the immunoreaction in brain tissue is different in these groups depending on the drug type used for abuse.}, language = {en} } @article{BohnertMonoranuSiauwetal.2020, author = {Bohnert, S. and Monoranu, C. - M. and Siauw, C. and Al-Tinawi, F. and Bohnert, M.}, title = {T{\"o}dliche Hirnmassenblutung infolge Vitamin-K-Mangels bei einem 9 Wochen alten S{\"a}ugling}, series = {Rechtsmedizin}, volume = {30}, journal = {Rechtsmedizin}, issn = {0937-9819}, doi = {10.1007/s00194-020-00387-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-232475}, pages = {175-179}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Intrakranielle Blutungen sind im S{\"a}uglingsalter seltene, aber lebensbedrohende Ereignisse. Neben Gef{\"a}ßmissbildungen, Stoffwechseldefekten sowie St{\"o}rungen der Blutgerinnung kommen v. a. nichtakzidentielle Traumata, Sch{\"u}tteltrauma in Betracht. Die klinische Diagnostik umfasst hinsichtlich der Blutungsgenese neben Sonographie und MRT als apparatives Verfahren auch eine Fundoskopie sowie laborchemische Analysen, insbesondere der Gerinnungsparameter. F{\"u}r die Blutgerinnung ist das fettl{\"o}sliche Vitamin K essenziell: Fr{\"u}he, klassische und sp{\"a}te Vitamin-K-Mangel-Blutungen werden dabei unterschieden. Um ein geh{\"a}uftes Wiederauftreten von Vitamin-K-Mangel-Blutungen bei Neugeborenen und jungen S{\"a}uglingen zu verhindern, bedarf es einer hinreichenden Aufkl{\"a}rung der Eltern. Eine Verweigerung der Prophylaxe scheint Folge einer weltanschaulich begr{\"u}ndeten Ablehnung der Schulmedizin und ein zunehmendes Ph{\"a}nomen in wohlhabenden Industriel{\"a}ndern zu sein.}, language = {de} } @article{BellLenhartRosenwaldetal.2020, author = {Bell, Luisa and Lenhart, Alexander and Rosenwald, Andreas and Monoranu, Camelia M. and Berberich-Siebelt, Friederike}, title = {Lymphoid aggregates in the CNS of progressive multiple sclerosis patients lack regulatory T cells}, series = {Frontiers in Immunology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Immunology}, number = {3090}, issn = {1664-3224}, doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2019.03090}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-198130}, year = {2020}, abstract = {In gray matter pathology of multiple sclerosis, neurodegeneration associates with a high degree of meningeal inflammatory activity. Importantly, ectopic lymphoid follicles (eLFs) were identified at the inflamed meninges of patients with progressive multiple sclerosis. Besides T lymphocytes, they comprise B cells and might elicit germinal center (GC)-like reactions. GC reactions are controlled by FOXP3+ T-follicular regulatory cells (TFR), but it is unknown if they participate in autoantibody production in eLFs. Receiving human post-mortem material, gathered from autopsies of progressive multiple sclerosis patients, indeed, distinct inflammatory infiltrates enriched with B cells could be detected in perivascular areas and deep sulci. CD35+ cells, parafollicular CD138+ plasma cells, and abundant expression of the homing receptor for GCs, CXCR5, on lymphocytes defined some of them as eLFs. However, they resembled GCs only in varying extent, as T cells did not express PD-1, only few cells were positive for the key transcriptional regulator BCL-6 and ongoing proliferation, whereas a substantial number of T cells expressed high NFATc1 like GC-follicular T cells. Then again, predominant cytoplasmic NFATc1 and an enrichment with CD3+CD27+ memory and CD4+CD69+ tissue-resident cells implied a chronic state, very much in line with PD-1 and BCL-6 downregulation. Intriguingly, FOXP3+ cells were almost absent in the whole brain sections and CD3+FOXP3+ TFRs were never found in the lymphoid aggregates. This also points to less controlled humoral immune responses in those lymphoid aggregates possibly enabling the occurrence of CNS-specific autoantibodies in multiple sclerosis patients.}, language = {en} } @article{NattmannBreunMonoranuetal.2020, author = {Nattmann, Anja and Breun, Maria and Monoranu, Camelia M. and Matthies, Cordula and Ernestus, Ralf-Ingo and L{\"o}hr, Mario and Hagemann, Carsten}, title = {Analysis of ADAM9 regulation and function in vestibular schwannoma primary cells}, series = {BMC Research Notes}, volume = {13}, journal = {BMC Research Notes}, doi = {10.1186/s13104-020-05378-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-231213}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Objective Recently, we described a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 9 (ADAM9) overexpression by Schwann cells of vestibular schwannoma (VS) and suggested that it might be a marker for VS tumor growth and invasiveness. This research note provides additional data utilizing a small cohort of VS primary cultures and tissue samples. We examined whether reconstitution of Merlin expression in VS cells regulates ADAM9 protein expression and performed lentiviral ADAM9 knock down to investigate possible effects on VS cells numbers. Moreover, the co-localization of ADAM9 and Integrins α6 and α2β1, respectively, was examined by immunofluorescence double staining. Results ADAM9 expression was not regulated by Merlin in VS. However, ADAM9 knock down led to 58\% reduction in cell numbers in VS primary cell cultures (p < 0.0001). While ADAM9 and Integrin α2β1 were co-localized in only 22\% (2 of 9) of VS, ADAM9 and Integrin α6 were co-localized in 91\% (10 of 11) of VS. Therefore, we provide first observations on possible regulatory functions of ADAM9 expression in VS.}, language = {en} } @article{WeissbachHerediaGuerreroBarnsteineretal.2020, author = {Weißbach, Susann and Heredia-Guerrero, Sofia Catalina and Barnsteiner, Stefanie and Großhans, Lukas and Bodem, Jochen and Starz, Hanna and Langer, Christian and Appenzeller, Silke and Knop, Stefan and Steinbrunn, Torsten and Rost, Simone and Einsele, Hermann and Bargou, Ralf Christian and Rosenwald, Andreas and St{\"u}hmer, Thorsten and Leich, Ellen}, title = {Exon-4 Mutations in KRAS Affect MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT Signaling in Human Multiple Myeloma Cell Lines}, series = {Cancers}, volume = {12}, journal = {Cancers}, number = {2}, issn = {2072-6694}, doi = {10.3390/cancers12020455}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-200617}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Approximately 20\% of multiple myeloma (MM) cases harbor a point mutation in KRAS. However, there is still no final consent on whether KRAS-mutations are associated with disease outcome. Specifically, no data exist on whether KRAS-mutations have an impact on survival of MM patients at diagnosis in the era of novel agents. Direct blockade of KRAS for therapeutic purposes is mostly impossible, but recently a mutation-specific covalent inhibitor targeting KRAS\(^{p.G12C}\) entered into clinical trials. However, other KRAS hotspot-mutations exist in MM patients, including the less common exon-4 mutations. For the current study, the coding regions of KRAS were deep-sequenced in 80 newly diagnosed MM patients, uniformely treated with three cycles of bortezomib plus dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide (VCD)-induction, followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. Moreover, the functional impact of KRAS\(^{p.G12A}\) and the exon-4 mutations p.A146T and p.A146V on different survival pathways was investigated. Specifically, KRAS\(^{WT}\), KRAS\(^{p.G12A}\), KRAS\(^{p.A146T}\), and KRAS\(^{p.A146V}\) were overexpressed in HEK293 cells and the KRAS\(^{WT}\) MM cell lines JJN3 and OPM2 using lentiviral transduction and the Sleeping Beauty vector system. Even though KRAS-mutations were not correlated with survival, all KRAS-mutants were found capable of potentially activating MEK/ERK- and sustaining PI3K/AKT-signaling in MM cells.}, language = {en} } @article{JahnDorbathKircheretal.2019, author = {Jahn, Daniel and Dorbath, Donata and Kircher, Stefan and Nier, Anika and Bergheim, Ina and Lenaerts, Kaatje and Hermanns, Heike M. and Geier, Andreas}, title = {Beneficial effects of vitamin D treatment in an obese mouse model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis}, series = {Nutrients}, volume = {11}, journal = {Nutrients}, number = {1}, doi = {10.3390/nu11010077}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-177222}, pages = {77}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Serum vitamin D levels negatively correlate with obesity and associated disorders such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the mechanisms linking low vitamin D (VD) status to disease progression are not completely understood. In this study, we analyzed the effect of VD treatment on NASH in mice. C57BL6/J mice were fed a high-fat/high-sugar diet (HFSD) containing low amounts of VD for 16 weeks to induce obesity, NASH and liver fibrosis. The effects of preventive and interventional VD treatment were studied on the level of liver histology and hepatic/intestinal gene expression. Interestingly, preventive and to a lesser extent also interventional VD treatment resulted in improvements of liver histology. This included a significant decrease of steatosis, a trend towards lower non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score and a slight non-significant decrease of fibrosis in the preventive treatment group. In line with these changes, preventive VD treatment reduced the hepatic expression of lipogenic, inflammatory and pro-fibrotic genes. Notably, these beneficial effects occurred in conjunction with a reduction of intestinal inflammation. Together, our observations suggest that timely initiation of VD supplementation (preventive vs. interventional) is a critical determinant of treatment outcome in NASH. In the applied animal model, the improvements of liver histology occurred in conjunction with reduced inflammation in the gut, suggesting a potential relevance of vitamin D as a therapeutic agent acting on the gut-liver axis.}, language = {en} } @article{BohnertSeiffertTrellaetal.2020, author = {Bohnert, Simone and Seiffert, Anja and Trella, Stefanie and Bohnert, Michael and Distel, Luitpold and Ondruschka, Benjamin and Monoranu, Camelia-Marie}, title = {TMEM119 as a specific marker of microglia reaction in traumatic brain injury in postmortem examination}, series = {International Journal of Legal Medicine}, volume = {134}, journal = {International Journal of Legal Medicine}, issn = {0937-9827}, doi = {10.1007/s00414-020-02384-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-235346}, pages = {2167-2176}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The aim of the present study was a refined analysis of neuroinflammation including TMEM119 as a useful microglia-specific marker in forensic assessments of traumatic causes of death, e.g., traumatic brain injury (TBI). Human brain tissue samples were obtained from autopsies and divided into cases with lethal TBI (n = 25) and subdivided into three groups according to their trauma survival time and compared with an age-, gender-, and postmortem interval-matched cohort of sudden cardiovascular fatalities as controls (n = 23). Brain tissue samples next to cortex contusions and surrounding white matter as well as samples of the ipsilateral uninjured brain stem and cerebellum were collected and stained immunohistochemically with antibodies against TMEM119, CD206, and CCR2. We could document the highest number of TMEM119-positive cells in acute TBI death with highly significant differences to the control numbers. CCR2-positive monocytes showed a significantly higher cell count in the cortex samples of TBI cases than in the controls with an increasing number of immunopositive cells over time. The number of CD206-positive M2 microglial cells increased survival time-dependent. After 3 days of survival, the cell number increased significantly in all four regions investigated compared with controls. In sum, we validate a specific and robustly expressed as well as fast reacting microglia marker, TMEM119, which distinguishes microglia from resident and infiltrating macrophages and thus offers a great potential for the estimation of the minimum survival time after TBI.}, language = {en} } @article{FischerHartmannReisslandetal.2022, author = {Fischer, Thomas and Hartmann, Oliver and Reissland, Michaela and Prieto-Garcia, Cristian and Klann, Kevin and Pahor, Nikolett and Sch{\"u}lein-V{\"o}lk, Christina and Baluapuri, Apoorva and Polat, B{\"u}lent and Abazari, Arya and Gerhard-Hartmann, Elena and Kopp, Hans-Georg and Essmann, Frank and Rosenfeldt, Mathias and M{\"u}nch, Christian and Flentje, Michael and Diefenbacher, Markus E.}, title = {PTEN mutant non-small cell lung cancer require ATM to suppress pro-apoptotic signalling and evade radiotherapy}, series = {Cell \& Bioscience}, volume = {12}, journal = {Cell \& Bioscience}, issn = {2045-3701}, doi = {10.1186/s13578-022-00778-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-299865}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background Despite advances in treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer, carriers of certain genetic alterations are prone to failure. One such factor frequently mutated, is the tumor suppressor PTEN. These tumors are supposed to be more resistant to radiation, chemo- and immunotherapy. Results We demonstrate that loss of PTEN led to altered expression of transcriptional programs which directly regulate therapy resistance, resulting in establishment of radiation resistance. While PTEN-deficient tumor cells were not dependent on DNA-PK for IR resistance nor activated ATR during IR, they showed a significant dependence for the DNA damage kinase ATM. Pharmacologic inhibition of ATM, via KU-60019 and AZD1390 at non-toxic doses, restored and even synergized with IR in PTEN-deficient human and murine NSCLC cells as well in a multicellular organotypic ex vivo tumor model. Conclusion PTEN tumors are addicted to ATM to detect and repair radiation induced DNA damage. This creates an exploitable bottleneck. At least in cellulo and ex vivo we show that low concentration of ATM inhibitor is able to synergise with IR to treat PTEN-deficient tumors in genetically well-defined IR resistant lung cancer models.}, language = {en} } @article{AdamKircherSbieraetal.2021, author = {Adam, Pia and Kircher, Stefan and Sbiera, Iuliu and Koehler, Viktoria Florentine and Berg, Elke and Kn{\"o}sel, Thomas and Sandner, Benjamin and Fenske, Wiebke Kristin and Bl{\"a}ker, Hendrik and Smaxwil, Constantin and Zielke, Andreas and Sipos, Bence and Allelein, Stephanie and Schott, Matthias and Dierks, Christine and Spitzweg, Christine and Fassnacht, Martin and Kroiss, Matthias}, title = {FGF-Receptors and PD-L1 in Anaplastic and Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Evaluation of the Preclinical Rationale}, series = {Frontiers in Endocrinology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in Endocrinology}, issn = {1664-2392}, doi = {10.3389/fendo.2021.712107}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-244653}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background Treatment options for poorly differentiated (PDTC) and anaplastic (ATC) thyroid carcinoma are unsatisfactory and prognosis is generally poor. Lenvatinib (LEN), a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR) 1-4 is approved for advanced radioiodine refractory thyroid carcinoma, but response to single agent is poor in ATC. Recent reports of combining LEN with PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab (PEM) are promising. Materials and Methods Primary ATC (n=93) and PDTC (n=47) tissue samples diagnosed 1997-2019 at five German tertiary care centers were assessed for PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry using Tumor Proportion Score (TPS). FGFR 1-4 mRNA was quantified in 31 ATC and 14 PDTC with RNAscope in-situ hybridization. Normal thyroid tissue (NT) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) served as controls. Disease specific survival (DSS) was the primary outcome variable. Results PD-L1 TPS≥50\% was observed in 42\% of ATC and 26\% of PDTC specimens. Mean PD-L1 expression was significantly higher in ATC (TPS 30\%) than in PDTC (5\%; p<0.01) and NT (0\%, p<0.001). 53\% of PDTC samples had PD-L1 expression ≤5\%. FGFR mRNA expression was generally low in all samples but combined FGFR1-4 expression was significantly higher in PDTC and ATC compared to NT (each p<0.001). No impact of PD-L1 and FGFR 1-4 expression was observed on DSS. Conclusion High tumoral expression of PD-L1 in a large proportion of ATCs and a subgroup of PDTCs provides a rationale for immune checkpoint inhibition. FGFR expression is low thyroid tumor cells. The clinically observed synergism of PEM with LEN may be caused by immune modulation.}, language = {en} } @article{RauertWunderlichBerberichRosenwaldetal.2018, author = {Rauert-Wunderlich, Hilka and Berberich, Ingolf and Rosenwald, Andreas and Rudelius, Martina}, title = {CD40L mediated alternative NF kappa B-signaling induces resistance to BCR-inhibitors in patients with mantle cell lymphoma}, series = {Cell Death \& Disease}, journal = {Cell Death \& Disease}, number = {9}, doi = {10.1038/s41419-017-0157-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-225027}, pages = {86, 1-9}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Drug resistance is a significant obstacle in cancer treatment and therefore a frequent subject of research. Developed or primary resistance limits the treatment success of inhibitors of the B cell receptor (BCR) pathway in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients. Recent research has highlighted the role of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF kappa B) pathway in the context of resistance to BCR inhibitors in MCL. In this study, we analyzed the dependency of MCL cell lines on NF kappa B signaling and illustrated the ability of CD40L to activate the alternative NF kappa B pathway in MCL. This activation leads to independency of classical NF kappa B signaling and results in resistance to BCR inhibitors. Therefore, ligands (such as CD40L) and their activation of the alternative NF kappa B pathway have a major impact on the drug response in MCL. Furthermore, this study indicates a protective role for cells expressing specific ligands as microenvironmental niches for MCL cells and underlines the significance of therapeutically targeting alternative NF kappa B signaling in MCL.}, language = {en} } @article{CadarJellingerRiedereretal.2021, author = {Cadar, D{\´a}niel and Jellinger, Kurt A. and Riederer, Peter and Strobel, Sabrina and Monoranu, Camelia-Maria and Tappe, Dennis}, title = {No metagenomic evidence of causative viral pathogens in postencephalitic parkinsonism following encephalitis lethargica}, series = {Microorganisms}, volume = {9}, journal = {Microorganisms}, number = {8}, issn = {2076-2607}, doi = {10.3390/microorganisms9081716}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-245074}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Postencephalitic parkinsonism (PEP) is a disease of unknown etiology and pathophysiology following encephalitis lethargica (EL), an acute-onset polioencephalitis of cryptic cause in the 1920s. PEP is a tauopathy with multisystem neuronal loss and gliosis, clinically characterized by bradykinesia, rigidity, rest tremor, and oculogyric crises. Though a viral cause of EL is likely, past polymerase chain reaction-based investigations in the etiology of both PEP and EL were negative. PEP might be caused directly by an unknown viral pathogen or the consequence of a post-infectious immunopathology. The development of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in conjunction with bioinformatic techniques has generated a broad-range tool for the detection of unknown pathogens in the recent past. Retrospective identification and characterization of pathogens responsible for past infectious diseases can be successfully performed with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. In this study, we analyzed 24 FFPE brain samples from six patients with PEP by unbiased metagenomic next-generation sequencing. Our results show that no evidence for the presence of a specific or putative (novel) viral pathogen was found, suggesting a likely post-infectious immune-mediated etiology of PEP.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Witzig2018, author = {Witzig, Raphael}, title = {Identifikation und Charakterisierung von Progressionsfaktoren Follikul{\"a}rer Non-Hodgkin Lymphome in einem Kollektiv des Verbundprojektes "Molekulare Mechanismen bei malignen Lymphomen (MMML)"}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-174430}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Das follikul{\"a}re Lymphom (FL) wird nach der aktuellen Klassifikation der WHO (World Health Organization Classification of Lymphoid Tumours) anhand der Zahl der Zentroblasten in drei Grade und der Grad 3 weiter in 3A und 3B eingeteilt. Bis heute ist die Rolle der FL3B aufgrund der morphologischen und genetischen Unterschiede zu den anderen FL umstritten, es wird eine eigene Entit{\"a}t und Pathogenese des FL3B diskutiert. Durch das Verbundprojekt „Molekulare Mechanismen in malignen Lymphomen" (MMML) Daten zu FISH-, Genexpressionsanalysen und immunhistochemischen F{\"a}rbungen bearbeitet werden. Diesen Daten zufolge sind FL3B in ihrer Genexpression nicht von FL3A trennbar. Es konnte jedoch eine Abgrenzung der FL1/2 zu den FL3A/B durch die erh{\"o}hte Expression von 13 Genen in den FL3A/B gefunden werden, von denen Homolog, double strand break repair nuclease (MRE11A), Topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) und Thioredoxin (TXN) schon zuvor im Rahmen von FL und NHL diskutiert wurden.}, subject = {Follikul{\"a}res Lymphom}, language = {de} } @article{WeigandRonchiRizkRabinetal.2017, author = {Weigand, Isabel and Ronchi, Cristina L. and Rizk-Rabin, Marthe and Dalmazi, Guido Di and Wild, Vanessa and Bathon, Kerstin and Rubin, Beatrice and Calebiro, Davide and Beuschlein, Felix and Bertherat, J{\´e}r{\^o}me and Fassnacht, Martin and Sbiera, Silviu}, title = {Differential expression of the protein kinase A subunits in normal adrenal glands and adrenocortical adenomas}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {7}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {49}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-017-00125-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-157952}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Somatic mutations in protein kinase A catalytic α subunit (PRKACA) were found to be causative for 30-40\% of cortisol-producing adenomas (CPA) of the adrenal gland, rendering PKA signalling constitutively active. In its resting state, PKA is a stable and inactive heterotetramer, consisting of two catalytic and two regulatory subunits with the latter inhibiting PKA activity. The human genome encodes three different PKA catalytic subunits and four different regulatory subunits that are preferentially expressed in different organs. In normal adrenal glands all regulatory subunits are expressed, while CPA exhibit reduced protein levels of the regulatory subunit IIβ. In this study, we linked for the first time the loss of RIIβ protein levels to the PRKACA mutation status and found the down-regulation of RIIβ to arise post-transcriptionally. We further found the PKA subunit expression pattern of different tumours is also present in the zones of the normal adrenal cortex and demonstrate that the different PKA subunits have a differential expression pattern in each zone of the normal adrenal gland, indicating potential specific roles of these subunits in the regulation of different hormones secretion.}, language = {en} } @article{WobserRothAppenzelleretal.2021, author = {Wobser, Marion and Roth, Sabine and Appenzeller, Silke and Houben, Roland and Schrama, David and Goebeler, Matthias and Geissinger, Eva and Rosenwald, Andreas and Maurus, Katja}, title = {Targeted deep sequencing of mycosis fungoides reveals intracellular signaling pathways associated with aggressiveness and large cell transformation}, series = {Cancers}, volume = {13}, journal = {Cancers}, number = {21}, issn = {2072-6694}, doi = {10.3390/cancers13215512}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-250094}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Introduction: Large-cell transformation (LCT) of mycosis fungoides (MF) has been associated with a higher risk of relapse and progression and, consequently, restricted prognosis. Its molecular pathogenesis has not been elucidated yet. Materials and Methods: In order to address molecular mechanisms of LCT, we performed hybrid capture panel-based sequencing of skin biopsies from 10 patients suffering from MF with LCT versus 17 patients without LCT including follow-up biopsies during clinical course, respectively (51 samples in total). The analyzed patients were attributed to three different groups based on the presence of LCT and clinical behavior. Results: While indolent MF cases without LCT did not show pathogenic driver mutations, a high rate of oncogenic alterations was detected in patients with LCT and aggressive clinical courses. Various genes of different oncogenic signaling pathways, including the MAPK and JAK-STAT signaling pathways, as well as epigenetic modifiers were affected. A high inter-individual and distinctive intra-individual mutation diversity was observed. Oncogenic RAS mutations were exclusively detected in patients with LCT. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that LCT transition of MF is associated with increased frequency of somatic mutations in cancer-associated genes. In particular, the activation of RAS signaling — together with epigenetic dysregulation — may crucially contribute to the molecular pathogenesis of the LCT phenotype, thus conveying its adverse clinical behavior.}, language = {en} } @article{KaderAzeemJwayedetal.2021, author = {Kader, Hidaya A. and Azeem, Muhammad and Jwayed, Suhib A. and Al-Shehhi, Aaesha and Tabassum, Attia and Ayoub, Mohammed Akli and Hetta, Helal F. and Waheed, Yasir and Iratni, Rabah and Al-Dhaheri, Ahmed and Muhammad, Khalid}, title = {Current insights into immunology and novel therapeutics of atopic dermatitis}, series = {Cells}, volume = {10}, journal = {Cells}, number = {6}, issn = {2073-4409}, doi = {10.3390/cells10061392}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-241008}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most prevalent inflammatory disease among non-fatal skin diseases, affecting up to one fifth of the population in developed countries. AD is characterized by recurrent pruritic and localized eczema with seasonal fluctuations. AD initializes the phenomenon of atopic march, during which infant AD patients are predisposed to progressive secondary allergies such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and food allergies. The pathophysiology of AD is complex; onset of the disease is caused by several factors, including strong genetic predisposition, disrupted epidermal barrier, and immune dysregulation. AD was initially characterized by defects in the innate immune system and a vigorous skewed adaptive Th2 response to environmental agents; there are compelling evidences that the disorder involves multiple immune pathways. Symptomatic palliative treatment is the only strategy to manage the disease and restore skin integrity. Researchers are trying to more precisely define the contribution of different AD genotypes and elucidate the role of various immune axes. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge about the roles of innate and adaptive immune responsive cells in AD. In addition, current and novel treatment strategies for the management of AD are comprehensively described, including some ongoing clinical trials and promising therapeutic agents. This information will provide an asset towards identifying personalized targets for better therapeutic outcomes.}, language = {en} } @article{LoefflerWirthKreuzHoppetal.2019, author = {Loeffler-Wirth, Henry and Kreuz, Markus and Hopp, Lydia and Arakelyan, Arsen and Haake, Andrea and Cogliatti, Sergio B. and Feller, Alfred C. and Hansmann, Martin-Leo and Lenze, Dido and M{\"o}ller, Peter and M{\"u}ller-Hermelink, Hans Konrad and Fortenbacher, Erik and Willscher, Edith and Ott, German and Rosenwald, Andreas and Pott, Christiane and Schwaenen, Carsten and Trautmann, Heiko and Wessendorf, Swen and Stein, Harald and Szczepanowski, Monika and Tr{\"u}mper, Lorenz and Hummel, Michael and Klapper, Wolfram and Siebert, Reiner and Loeffler, Markus and Binder, Hans}, title = {A modular transcriptome map of mature B cell lymphomas}, series = {Genome Medicine}, volume = {11}, journal = {Genome Medicine}, doi = {10.1186/s13073-019-0637-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-237262}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Background Germinal center-derived B cell lymphomas are tumors of the lymphoid tissues representing one of the most heterogeneous malignancies. Here we characterize the variety of transcriptomic phenotypes of this disease based on 873 biopsy specimens collected in the German Cancer Aid MMML (Molecular Mechanisms in Malignant Lymphoma) consortium. They include diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), Burkitt's lymphoma, mixed FL/DLBCL lymphomas, primary mediastinal large B cell lymphoma, multiple myeloma, IRF4-rearranged large cell lymphoma, MYC-negative Burkitt-like lymphoma with chr. 11q aberration and mantle cell lymphoma. Methods We apply self-organizing map (SOM) machine learning to microarray-derived expression data to generate a holistic view on the transcriptome landscape of lymphomas, to describe the multidimensional nature of gene regulation and to pursue a modular view on co-expression. Expression data were complemented by pathological, genetic and clinical characteristics. Results We present a transcriptome map of B cell lymphomas that allows visual comparison between the SOM portraits of different lymphoma strata and individual cases. It decomposes into one dozen modules of co-expressed genes related to different functional categories, to genetic defects and to the pathogenesis of lymphomas. On a molecular level, this disease rather forms a continuum of expression states than clearly separated phenotypes. We introduced the concept of combinatorial pattern types (PATs) that stratifies the lymphomas into nine PAT groups and, on a coarser level, into five prominent cancer hallmark types with proliferation, inflammation and stroma signatures. Inflammation signatures in combination with healthy B cell and tonsil characteristics associate with better overall survival rates, while proliferation in combination with inflammation and plasma cell characteristics worsens it. A phenotypic similarity tree is presented that reveals possible progression paths along the transcriptional dimensions. Our analysis provided a novel look on the transition range between FL and DLBCL, on DLBCL with poor prognosis showing expression patterns resembling that of Burkitt's lymphoma and particularly on 'double-hit' MYC and BCL2 transformed lymphomas. Conclusions The transcriptome map provides a tool that aggregates, refines and visualizes the data collected in the MMML study and interprets them in the light of previous knowledge to provide orientation and support in current and future studies on lymphomas and on other cancer entities.}, language = {en} } @article{HeuserGototPiotrowskietal.2017, author = {Heuser, Christoph and Gotot, Janine and Piotrowski, Eveline Christina and Philipp, Marie-Sophie and Courr{\`e}ges, Christina Johanna Felicia and Otte, Martin Sylvester and Guo, Linlin and Schmid-Burgk, Jonathan Leo and Hornung, Veit and Heine, Annkristin and Knolle, Percy Alexander and Garbi, Natalio and Serfling, Edgar and Evaristo, C{\´e}sar and Thaiss, Friedrich and Kurts, Christian}, title = {Prolonged IKK\(\beta\) Inhibition Improves Ongoing CTL Antitumor Responses by Incapacitating Regulatory T Cells}, series = {Cell Reports}, volume = {21}, journal = {Cell Reports}, number = {3}, doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2017.09.082}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173643}, pages = {578-586}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Regulatory T cells (Tregs) prevent autoimmunity but limit antitumor immunity. The canonical NF-\(\kappa\)B signaling pathway both activates immunity and promotes thymic Treg development. Here, we report that mature Tregs continue to require NF-\(\kappa\)B signaling through I\(\kappa\)B-kinase \(\beta\) (IKK\(\beta\)) after thymic egress. Mice lacking IKK\(\beta\) in mature Tregs developed scurfy-like immunopathology due to death of peripheral FoxP3\(^+\) Tregs. Also, pharmacological IKK\(\beta\) inhibition reduced Treg numbers in the circulation by ~50\% and downregulated FoxP3 and CD25 expression and STAT5 phosphorylation. In contrast, activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) were resistant to IKK\(\beta\) inhibition because other pathways, in particular nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc1) signaling, sustained their survival and expansion. In a melanoma mouse model, IKK\(\beta\) inhibition after CTL cross-priming improved the antitumor response and delayed tumor growth. In conclusion, prolonged IKK\(\beta\) inhibition decimates circulating Tregs and improves CTL responses when commenced after tumor vaccination, indicating that IKK\(\beta\) represents a druggable checkpoint.}, language = {en} } @article{KleinHesslingMuhammadKleinetal.2017, author = {Klein-Hessling, Stefan and Muhammad, Khalid and Klein, Matthias and Pusch, Tobias and Rudolf, Ronald and Fl{\"o}ter, Jessica and Qureischi, Musga and Beilhack, Andreas and Vaeth, Martin and Kummerow, Carsten and Backes, Christian and Schoppmeyer, Rouven and Hahn, Ulrike and Hoth, Markus and Bopp, Tobias and Berberich-Siebelt, Friederike and Patra, Amiya and Avots, Andris and M{\"u}ller, Nora and Schulze, Almut and Serfling, Edgar}, title = {NFATc1 controls the cytotoxicity of CD8\(^{+}\) T cells}, series = {Nature Communications}, volume = {8}, journal = {Nature Communications}, number = {511}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-017-00612-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-170353}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Cytotoxic T lymphocytes are effector CD8\(^{+}\) T cells that eradicate infected and malignant cells. Here we show that the transcription factor NFATc1 controls the cytotoxicity of mouse cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Activation of Nfatc1\(^{-/-}\) cytotoxic T lymphocytes showed a defective cytoskeleton organization and recruitment of cytosolic organelles to immunological synapses. These cells have reduced cytotoxicity against tumor cells, and mice with NFATc1-deficient T cells are defective in controlling Listeria infection. Transcriptome analysis shows diminished RNA levels of numerous genes in Nfatc1\(^{-/-}\) CD8\(^{+}\) T cells, including Tbx21, Gzmb and genes encoding cytokines and chemokines, and genes controlling glycolysis. Nfatc1\(^{-/-}\), but not Nfatc2\(^{-/-}\) CD8\(^{+}\) T cells have an impaired metabolic switch to glycolysis, which can be restored by IL-2. Genome-wide ChIP-seq shows that NFATc1 binds many genes that control cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity. Together these data indicate that NFATc1 is an important regulator of cytotoxic T lymphocyte effector functions.}, language = {en} } @article{WilhelmSmetakReimeretal.2016, author = {Wilhelm, M. and Smetak, M. and Reimer, P. and Geissinger, E. and Ruediger, T. and Metzner, B. and Schmitz, N. and Engert, A. and Schaefer-Eckart, K. and Birkmann, J.}, title = {First-line therapy of peripheral T-cell lymphoma: extension and long-term follow-up of a study investigating the role of autologous stem cell transplantation}, series = {Blood Cancer Journal}, volume = {6}, journal = {Blood Cancer Journal}, doi = {10.1038/bcj.2016.63}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-164506}, pages = {e452}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Current guidelines recommend consolidation with autologous stem cell transplantation (autoSCT) after induction chemotherapy for most patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). This assumption is based on five prospective phase II studies, three of which included <50 patients with limited follow-up. Here we present the final analysis of the prospective German study. The treatment regimen consisted of four to six cycles of CHOP chemotherapy followed by mobilizing therapy and stem cell collection. Patients in complete remission (CR) or partial remission (PR) underwent myeloablative chemo(radio)therapy and autoSCT. From January 2001 to July 2010, 111 patients were enrolled in the study. The main subgroups were PTCL not specified (n=42) and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (n=37). Seventy-five (68\%) of the 111 patients received transplantation. The main reason for not receiving autoSCT was progressive disease. In an intent-to-treat analysis, the complete response rate after myeloablative therapy was 59\%. The estimated 5-year overall survival, disease-free survival and progression-free survival rates were 44\%, 54\% and 39\%, respectively. The results of this study confirm that upfront autoSCT can result in long-term remissions in patients with all major subtypes of PTCL and therefore should be part of first-line therapy whenever possible.}, language = {en} } @article{EngelRudeliusSlawskaetal.2016, author = {Engel, Katharina and Rudelius, Martina and Slawska, Jolanta and Jacobs, Laura and Abhari, Behnaz Ahangarian and Altmann, Bettina and Kurutz, Julia and Rathakrishnan, Abirami and Fern{\´a}ndez-S{\´a}iz, Vanesa and Brunner, Andr{\"a} and Targosz, Bianca-Sabrina and Loewecke, Felicia and Gloeckner, Christian Johannes and Ueffing, Marius and Fulda, Simone and Pfreundschuh, Michael and Tr{\"u}mper, Lorenz and Klapper, Wolfram and Keller, Ulrich and Jost, Philipp J. and Rosenwald, Andreas and Peschel, Christian and Bassermann, Florian}, title = {USP9X stabilizes XIAP to regulate mitotic cell death and chemoresistance in aggressive B-cell lymphoma}, series = {EMBO Molecular Medicine}, volume = {8}, journal = {EMBO Molecular Medicine}, doi = {10.15252/emmm.201506047}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-165016}, pages = {851-862}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) maintains genome stability and marks an important target for antineoplastic therapies. However, it has remained unclear how cells execute cell fate decisions under conditions of SAC-induced mitotic arrest. Here, we identify USP9X as the mitotic deubiquitinase of the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) and demonstrate that deubiquitylation and stabilization of XIAP by USP9X lead to increased resistance toward mitotic spindle poisons. We find that primary human aggressive B-cell lymphoma samples exhibit high USP9X expression that correlate with XIAP overexpression. We show that high USP9X/XIAP expression is associated with shorter event-free survival in patients treated with spindle poison-containing chemotherapy. Accordingly, aggressive B-cell lymphoma lines with USP9X and associated XIAP overexpression exhibit increased chemoresistance, reversed by specific inhibition of either USP9X or XIAP. Moreover, knockdown of USP9X or XIAP significantly delays lymphoma development and increases sensitivity to spindle poisons in a murine Eμ-Myc lymphoma model. Together, we specify the USP9X-XIAP axis as a regulator of the mitotic cell fate decision and propose that USP9X and XIAP are potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in aggressive B-cell lymphoma.}, language = {en} } @article{ElMeseryRosenthalRauertWunderlichetal.2019, author = {El-Mesery, Mohamed and Rosenthal, Tina and Rauert-Wunderlich, Hilka and Schreder, Martin and St{\"u}hmer, Thorsten and Leich, Ellen and Schlosser, Andreas and Ehrenschwender, Martin and Wajant, Harald and Siegmund, Daniela}, title = {The NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor MLN4924 sensitizes a TNFR1+ subgroup of multiple myeloma cells for TNF-induced cell death}, series = {Cell Death \& Disease}, volume = {10}, journal = {Cell Death \& Disease}, doi = {10.1038/s41419-019-1860-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-226666}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE) inhibitor MLN4924 inhibits cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase complexes including the SKP1-cullin-F-box E3 ligase βTrCP. MLN4924 therefore inhibits also the βTrCP-dependent activation of the classical and the alternative NFĸB pathway. In this work, we found that a subgroup of multiple myeloma cell lines (e.g., RPMI-8226, MM.1S, KMS-12BM) and about half of the primary myeloma samples tested are sensitized to TNF-induced cell death by MLN4924. This correlated with MLN4924-mediated inhibition of TNF-induced activation of the classical NFκB pathway and reduced the efficacy of TNF-induced TNFR1 signaling complex formation. Interestingly, binding studies revealed a straightforward correlation between cell surface TNFR1 expression in multiple myeloma cell lines and their sensitivity for MLN4924/TNF-induced cell death. The cell surface expression levels of TNFR1 in the investigated MM cell lines largely correlated with TNFR1 mRNA expression. This suggests that the variable levels of cell surface expression of TNFR1 in myeloma cell lines are decisive for TNF/MLN4924 sensitivity. Indeed, introduction of TNFR1 into TNFR1-negative TNF/MLN4924-resistant KMS-11BM cells, was sufficient to sensitize this cell line for TNF/MLN4924-induced cell death. Thus, MLN4924 might be especially effective in myeloma patients with TNFR1+ myeloma cells and a TNFhigh tumor microenvironment.}, language = {en} } @article{RauschenbergerSchmittAzeemetal.2019, author = {Rauschenberger, Tabea and Schmitt, Viola and Azeem, Muhammad and Klein-Hessling, Stefan and Murti, Krisna and Gr{\"a}n, Franziska and Goebeler, Matthias and Kerstan, Andreas and Klein, Matthias and Bopp, Tobias and Serfling, Edgar and Muhammad, Khalid}, title = {T cells control chemokine secretion by keratinocytes}, series = {Frontiers in Immunology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Immunology}, number = {1917}, issn = {1664-3224}, doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2019.01917}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-195695}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The massive infiltration of lymphocytes into the skin is a hallmark of numerous human skin disorders. By co-culturing murine keratinocytes with splenic T cells we demonstrate here that T cells affect and control the synthesis and secretion of chemokines by keratinocytes. While pre-activated CD8\(^+\)T cells induce the synthesis of CXCL9 and CXCL10 in keratinocytes and keep in check the synthesis of CXCL1, CXCL5, and CCL20, keratinocytes dampen the synthesis of CCL3 and CCL4 in pre-activated CD8\(^+\)T cells. One key molecule is IFN-γ that is synthesized by CD8\(^+\)T cells under the control of NFATc1 and NFATc2. CD8\(^+\)T cells deficient for both NFAT factors are unable to induce CXCL9 and CXCL10 expression. In addition, CD8\(^+\)T cells induced numerous type I IFN-inducible "defense genes" in keratinocytes encoding the PD1 and CD40 ligands, TNF-α and caspase-1. The enhanced expression of type I IFN-inducible genes resembles the gene expression pattern at the dermal/epidermal interface in lichen planus, an inflammatory T lymphocyte-driven skin disease, in which we detected the expression of CXCL10 in keratinocytes in close vicinity to the infiltration front of T cells. These data reflect the multifaceted interplay of lymphocytes with keratinocytes at the molecular level.}, language = {en} } @article{KleinHesslingRudolfMuhammadetal.2016, author = {Klein-Hessling, Stefan and Rudolf, Ronald and Muhammad, Khalid and Knobeloch, Klaus-Peter and Maqbool, Muhammad Ahmad and Cauchy, Pierre and Andrau, Jean-Christophe and Avots, Andris and Talora, Claudio and Ellenrieder, Volker and Screpanti, Isabella and Serfling, Edgar and Patra, Amiya Kumar}, title = {A threshold level of NFATc1 activity facilitates thymocyte differentiation and opposes notch-driven leukaemia development}, series = {Nature Communications}, volume = {7}, journal = {Nature Communications}, doi = {10.1038/ncomms11841}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-172974}, year = {2016}, abstract = {NFATc1 plays a critical role in double-negative thymocyte survival and differentiation. However, the signals that regulate Nfatc1 expression are incompletely characterized. Here we show a developmental stage-specific differential expression pattern of Nfatc1 driven by the distal (P1) or proximal (P2) promoters in thymocytes. Whereas, preTCR-negative thymocytes exhibit only P2 promoter-derived Nfatc1β expression, preTCR-positive thymocytes express both Nfatc1β and P1 promoter-derived Nfatc1α transcripts. Inducing NFATc1α activity from P1 promoter in preTCR-negative thymocytes, in addition to the NFATc1β from P2 promoter impairs thymocyte development resulting in severe T-cell lymphopenia. In addition, we show that NFATc1 activity suppresses the B-lineage potential of immature thymocytes, and consolidates their differentiation to T cells. Further, in the pTCR-positive DN3 cells, a threshold level of NFATc1 activity is vital in facilitating T-cell differentiation and to prevent Notch3-induced T-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Altogether, our results show NFATc1 activity is crucial in determining the T-cell fate of thymocytes.}, language = {en} } @article{PorubskyPopovicBadveetal.2021, author = {Porubsky, Stefan and Popovic, Zoran V. and Badve, Sunil and Banz, Yara and Berezowska, Sabina and Borchert, Dietmar and Br{\"u}ggemann, Monika and Gaiser, Timo and Graeter, Thomas and Hollaus, Peter and Huettl, Katrin S. and Kotrova, Michaela and Kreft, Andreas and Kugler, Christian and L{\"o}tscher, Fabian and M{\"o}ller, Burkhard and Ott, German and Preissler, Gerhard and Roessner, Eric and Rosenwald, Andreas and Str{\"o}bel, Philipp and Marx, Alexander}, title = {Thymic hyperplasia with lymphoepithelial sialadenitis (LESA)-like features: strong association with lymphomas and non-myasthenic autoimmune diseases}, series = {Cancers}, volume = {13}, journal = {Cancers}, number = {2}, issn = {2072-6694}, doi = {10.3390/cancers13020315}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-223049}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Thymic hyperplasia (TH) with lymphoepithelial sialadenitis (LESA)-like features (LESA-like TH) has been described as a tumor-like, benign proliferation of thymic epithelial cells and lymphoid follicles. We aimed to determine the frequency of lymphoma and autoimmunity in LESA-like TH and performed retrospective analysis of cases with LESA-like TH and/or thymic MALT-lymphoma. Among 36 patients (21 males) with LESA-like TH (age 52 years, 32-80; lesion diameter 7.0 cm, 1-14.5; median, range), five (14\%) showed associated lymphomas, including four (11\%) thymic MALT lymphomas and one (3\%) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. One additional case showed a clonal B-cell-receptor rearrangement without evidence of lymphoma. Twelve (33\%) patients (7 women) suffered from partially overlapping autoimmune diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 4, 11\%), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 3, 8\%), myasthenia gravis (n = 2, 6\%), asthma (n = 2, 6\%), scleroderma, Sj{\"o}gren syndrome, pure red cell aplasia, Grave's disease and anti-IgLON5 syndrome (each n = 1, 3\%). Among 11 primary thymic MALT lymphomas, remnants of LESA-like TH were found in two cases (18\%). In summary, LESA-like TH shows a striking association with autoimmunity and predisposes to lymphomas. Thus, a hematologic and rheumatologic workup should become standard in patients diagnosed with LESA-like TH. Radiologists and clinicians should be aware of LESA-like TH as a differential diagnosis for mediastinal mass lesions in patients with autoimmune diseases.}, language = {en} } @article{SchuemannGrossBaueretal.2021, author = {Sch{\"u}mann, Franziska Lea and Groß, Elisabeth and Bauer, Marcus and Rohde, Christian and Sandmann, Sarah and Terziev, Denis and M{\"u}ller, Lutz P. and Posern, Guido and Wienke, Andreas and Fend, Falko and Hansmann, Martin-Leo and Klapper, Wolfram and Rosenwald, Andreas and Stein, Harald and Dugas, Martin and M{\"u}ller-Tidow, Carsten and Wickenhauser, Claudia and Binder, Mascha and Weber, Thomas}, title = {Divergent effects of EZH1 and EZH2 protein expression on the prognosis of patients with T-cell lymphomas}, series = {Biomedicines}, volume = {9}, journal = {Biomedicines}, number = {12}, issn = {2227-9059}, doi = {10.3390/biomedicines9121842}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-252155}, year = {2021}, abstract = {T-cell lymphomas are highly heterogeneous and their prognosis is poor under the currently available therapies. Enhancers of zeste homologue 1 and 2 (EZH1/2) are histone H3 lysine-27 trimethyltransferases (H3K27me3). Despite the rapid development of new drugs inhibiting EZH2 and/or EZH1, the molecular interplay of these proteins and the impact on disease progression and prognosis of patients with T-cell lymphomas remains insufficiently understood. In this study, EZH1/2 mutation status was evaluated in 33 monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphomas by next generation sequencing and EZH1/2 and H3K27me3 protein expression levels were detected by immunohistochemistry in 46 T-cell lymphomas. Correlations with clinicopathologic features were analyzed and survival curves generated. No EZH1 mutations and one (3\%) EZH2 missense mutation were identified. In univariable analysis, high EZH1 expression was associated with an improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) whereas high EZH2 and H3K27me3 expression were associated with poorer OS and PFS. Multivariable analysis revealed EZH1 (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.183; 95\% confidence interval (CI): 0.044-0.767; p = 0.020;) and EZH2 (HR = 8.245; 95\% CI: 1.898-35.826; p = 0.005) to be independent, divergent prognostic markers for OS. In conclusion, EZH1/2 protein expression had opposing effects on the prognosis of T-cell lymphoma patients.}, language = {en} } @article{AlrefaiMuhammadRudolfetal.2016, author = {Alrefai, Hani and Muhammad, Khalid and Rudolf, Ronald and Pham, Duong Anh Thuy and Klein-Hessling, Stefan and Patra, Amiya K. and Avots, Andris and Bukur, Valesca and Sahin,, Ugur and Tenzer, Stefan and Goebeler, Matthias and Kerstan, Andreas and Serfling, Edgar}, title = {NFATc1 supports imiquimod-induced skin inflammation by suppressing IL-10 synthesis in B cells}, series = {Nature Communications}, volume = {7}, journal = {Nature Communications}, doi = {10.1038/ncomms11724}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173053}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Epicutaneous application of Aldara cream containing the TLR7 agonist imiquimod (IMQ) to mice induces skin inflammation that exhibits many aspects of psoriasis, an inflammatory human skin disease. Here we show that mice depleted of B cells or bearing interleukin (IL)-10-deficient B cells show a fulminant inflammation upon IMQ exposure, whereas ablation of NFATc1 in B cells results in a suppression of Aldara-induced inflammation. In vitro, IMQ induces the proliferation and IL-10 expression by B cells that is blocked by BCR signals inducing NFATc1. By binding to HDAC1, a transcriptional repressor, and to an intronic site of the Il10 gene, NFATc1 suppresses IL-10 expression that dampens the production of tumour necrosis factor-α and IL-17 by T cells. These data indicate a close link between NFATc1 and IL-10 expression in B cells and suggest NFATc1 and, in particular, its inducible short isoform, NFATc1/αA, as a potential target to treat human psoriasis.}, language = {en} } @article{RichterHuettmannRekowskietal.2019, author = {Richter, Julia and H{\"u}ttmann, Andreas and Rekowski, Jan and Schmitz, Christine and G{\"a}rtner, Selina and Rosenwald, Andreas and Hansmann, Martin-Leo and Hartmann, Sylvia and M{\"o}ller, Peter and Wacker, Hans-Heinrich and Feller, Alfred and Thorns, Christoph and M{\"u}ller, Stefan and D{\"u}hrsen, Ulrich and Klapper, Wolfram}, title = {Molecular characteristics of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the Positron Emission Tomography-Guided Therapy of Aggressive Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (PETAL) trial: correlation with interim PET and outcome}, series = {Blood Cancer Journal}, volume = {9}, journal = {Blood Cancer Journal}, doi = {10.1038/s41408-019-0230-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-226185}, pages = {67}, year = {2019}, abstract = {No abstract available}, language = {en} } @article{ShaikhVargasMokhtarietal.2021, author = {Shaikh, Haroon and Vargas, Juan Gamboa and Mokhtari, Zeinab and Jarick, Katja J. and Ulbrich, Maria and Mosca, Josefina Pe{\~n}a and Viera, Estibaliz Arellano and Graf, Caroline and Le, Duc-Dung and Heinze, Katrin G. and B{\"u}ttner-Herold, Maike and Rosenwald, Andreas and Pezoldt, Joern and Huehn, Jochen and Beilhack, Andreas}, title = {Mesenteric Lymph Node Transplantation in Mice to Study Immune Responses of the Gastrointestinal Tract}, series = {Frontiers in Immunology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in Immunology}, issn = {1664-3224}, doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2021.689896}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-244869}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Mesenteric lymph nodes (mLNs) are sentinel sites of enteral immunosurveillance and immune homeostasis. Immune cells from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are constantly recruited to the mLNs in steady-state and under inflammatory conditions resulting in the induction of tolerance and immune cells activation, respectively. Surgical dissection and transplantation of lymph nodes (LN) is a technique that has supported seminal work to study LN function and is useful to investigate resident stromal and endothelial cell biology and their cellular interactions in experimental disease models. Here, we provide a detailed protocol of syngeneic mLN transplantation and report assays to analyze effective mLN engraftment in congenic recipients. Transplanted mLNs allow to study T cell activation and proliferation in preclinical mouse models. Donor mLNs proved viable and functional after surgical transplantation and regenerated blood and lymphatic vessels. Immune cells from the host completely colonized the transplanted mLNs within 7-8 weeks after the surgical intervention. After allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), adoptively transferred allogeneic CD4+ T cells from FVB/N (H-2q) mice homed to the transplanted mLNs in C57BL/6 (H-2b) recipients during the initiation phase of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD). These CD4+ T cells retained full proliferative capacity and upregulated effector and gut homing molecules comparable to those in mLNs from unmanipulated wild-type recipients. Wild type mLNs transplanted into MHCII deficient syngeneic hosts sufficed to activate alloreactive T cells upon allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, even in the absence of MHCII+ CD11c+ myeloid cells. These data support that orthotopically transplanted mLNs maintain physiological functions after transplantation. The technique of LN transplantation can be applied to study migratory and resident cell compartment interactions in mLNs as well as immune reactions from and to the gut under inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions.}, language = {en} } @article{BreunMonoranuKessleretal.2019, author = {Breun, Maria and Monoranu, Camelia M. and Kessler, Almuth F. and Matthies, Cordula and L{\"o}hr, Mario and Hagemann, Carsten and Schirbel, Andreas and Rowe, Steven P. and Pomper, Martin G. and Buck, Andreas K. and Wester, Hans-J{\"u}rgen and Ernestus, Ralf-Ingo and Lapa, Constantin}, title = {[\(^{68}\)Ga]-Pentixafor PET/CT for CXCR4-mediated imaging of vestibular schwannomas}, series = {Frontiers in Oncology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Oncology}, number = {503}, doi = {10.3389/fonc.2019.00503}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-201863}, year = {2019}, abstract = {We have recently demonstrated CXCR4 overexpression in vestibular schwannomas (VS). This study investigated the feasibility of CXCR4-directed positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging of VS using the radiolabeled chemokine ligand [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor. Methods: 4 patients with 6 primarily diagnosed or pre-treated/observed VS were enrolled. All subjects underwent [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor PET/CT prior to surgical resection. Images were analyzed visually and semi-quantitatively for CXCR4 expression including calculation of tumor-to-background ratios (TBR). Immunohistochemistry served as standard of reference in three patients. Results: [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor PET/CT was visually positive in all cases. SUV\(_{mean}\) and SUV\(_{max}\) were 3.0 ± 0.3 and 3.8 ± 0.4 and TBR\(_{mean}\) and TBR\(_{max}\) were 4.0 ± 1.4 and 5.0 ± 1.7, respectively. Histological analysis confirmed CXCR4 expression in tumors. Conclusion: Non-invasive imaging of CXCR4 expression using [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor PET/CT of VS is feasible and could prove useful for in vivo assessment of CXCR4 expression.}, language = {en} } @article{FeldheimKesslerMonoranuetal.2019, author = {Feldheim, Jonas and Kessler, Almuth F. and Monoranu, Camelia M. and Ernestus, Ralf-Ingo and L{\"o}hr, Mario and Hagemann, Carsten}, title = {Changes of O\(^6\)-Methylguanine DNA Methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation in glioblastoma relapse—a meta-analysis type literature review}, series = {Cancers}, volume = {11}, journal = {Cancers}, number = {12}, issn = {2072-6694}, doi = {10.3390/cancers11121837}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-193040}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Methylation of the O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter has emerged as strong prognostic factor in the therapy of glioblastoma multiforme. It is associated with an improved response to chemotherapy with temozolomide and longer overall survival. MGMT promoter methylation has implications for the clinical course of patients. In recent years, there have been observations of patients changing their MGMT promoter methylation from primary tumor to relapse. Still, data on this topic are scarce. Studies often consist of only few patients and provide rather contrasting results, making it hard to draw a clear conclusion on clinical implications. Here, we summarize the previous publications on this topic, add new cases of changing MGMT status in relapse and finally combine all reports of more than ten patients in a statistical analysis based on the Wilson score interval. MGMT promoter methylation changes are seen in 115 of 476 analyzed patients (24\%; CI: 0.21-0.28). We discuss potential reasons like technical issues, intratumoral heterogeneity and selective pressure of therapy. The clinical implications are still ambiguous and do not yet support a change in clinical practice. However, retesting MGMT methylation might be useful for future treatment decisions and we encourage clinical studies to address this topic}, language = {en} } @article{HartmannPluetschowMottoketal.2019, author = {Hartmann, Sylvia and Pl{\"u}tschow, Annette and Mottok, Anja and Bernd, Heinz-Wolfram and Feller, Alfred C. and Ott, German and Cogliatti, Sergio and Fend, Falko and Quintanilla-Martinez, Leticia and Stein, Harald and Klapper, Wolfram and M{\"o}ller, Peter and Rosenwald, Andreas and Engert, Andreas and Hansmann, Martin-Leo and Eichenauer, Dennis A.}, title = {The time to relapse correlates with the histopathological growth pattern in nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma}, series = {American Journal of Hematology}, volume = {94}, journal = {American Journal of Hematology}, number = {11}, doi = {10.1002/ajh.25607}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-212594}, pages = {1208 -- 1213}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) can present with different histopathological growth patterns. The impact of these histopathological growth patterns on relapse characteristics is unknown. We therefore analyzed paired biopsies obtained at initial diagnosis and relapse from 33 NLPHL patients who had received first-line treatment within German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG) trial protocols, and from a second cohort of 41 relapsed NLPHL patients who had been treated outside GHSG studies. Among the 33 GHSG patients, 21 patients presented with a typical growth pattern at initial diagnosis, whereas 12 patients had a variant histology. The histopathological growth patterns at initial diagnosis and at relapse were consistent in 67\% of cases. A variant histology at initial diagnosis was associated with a shorter median time to lymphoma recurrence (2.8 vs 5.2 years; P = .0219). A similar tendency towards a shorter median time to lymphoma recurrence was observed for patients presenting with a variant histology at relapse, irrespective of the growth pattern at initial diagnosis. Results obtained from the 41 NLPHL patients who had been treated outside GHSG studies were comparable (median time to lymphoma recurrence for variant histology vs typical growth pattern at initial diagnosis: 1.5 vs 7.0 years). In conclusion, the histopathological growth pattern remains consistent at relapse in the majority of NLPHL cases, and has major impact on the time of relapse.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Geiseler2019, author = {Geiseler, Marina}, title = {Klinische, histopathologische und immunph{\"a}notypische Charakterisierung der CD4+ klein-/mittelgroßzelligen kutanen T-Zell-Lymphoproliferation}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-18411}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-184112}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Innerhalb der Gruppe der kutanen T-Zell-Lymphome ist die CD4+ klein-/mittelgroßzellige T-Zell-Lymphoproliferation (SMTCL) eine seltene und bisher als provisorisch erfasste Entit{\"a}t. Um genauere Kenntnisse zu Klinik und Verlauf, Histologie und Immunph{\"a}notyp zu gewinnen, untersuchten wir in dieser Fallserie an 95 F{\"a}llen entsprechende Charakteristika. Dabei konnten alle der bisher provisorisch definierten Eigenschaften der SMTCL best{\"a}tigt werden. Lediglich die 5-Jahre-{\"U}berlebensrate zeigte sich mit 100\% weitaus h{\"o}her als die in der WHO-/EORTC-Klassifikation angegebenen 60-80\%. Diese Best{\"a}tigung der provisorisch definierten Eigenschaften an einem gr{\"o}ßeren Kollektiv kann dazu beitragen, dass die SMTCL in die n{\"a}chste Version der WHO-Klassifikation - durch ausreichende Daten gest{\"u}tzt - als definitive Entit{\"a}t aufgenommen werden kann. Insgesamt konnten in dieser Studie einige Faktoren, die mit einem weniger indolenten Krankheitsverlauf assoziiert sind, identifiziert werden. So zeigten klinisch ein initial bestehender generalisierter Hautbefall sowie eine extrafaziale Lokalisation der L{\"a}sion einen weniger indolenten Verlauf an. Auch Patienten, bei denen ein Verlust von CD2, CD3 oder CD5 bei den Tumorzellen festgestellt wurde, wiesen einen f{\"u}r die CD4+ SMTCL ungew{\"o}hnlichen und weniger indolenten Krankheitsverlauf mit h{\"a}ufigeren Rezidiven und seltenerem Erreichen einer kompletten Remission auf. Histopathologisch schien eine oberfl{\"a}chlichere Infiltrattiefe des Pr{\"a}parates sowie das Vorhandensein eines fokalen Epidermotropismus einen negativen prognostischen Wert zu besitzen. Bez{\"u}glich des Gesamt{\"u}berlebens hatten allerdings auch Patienten mit einem der identifizierten negativen prognostischen Faktoren eine exzellente Prognose. Bei Vorliegen eines dieser negativen Faktoren sollte jedoch eine engmaschigere klinische {\"U}berwachung erfolgen.}, subject = {Hautlymphom}, language = {de} } @article{GaritanoTrojaolaSanchoGoetzetal.2021, author = {Garitano-Trojaola, Andoni and Sancho, Ana and G{\"o}tz, Ralph and Eiring, Patrick and Walz, Susanne and Jetani, Hardikkumar and Gil-Pulido, Jesus and Da Via, Matteo Claudio and Teufel, Eva and Rhodes, Nadine and Haertle, Larissa and Arellano-Viera, Estibaliz and Tibes, Raoul and Rosenwald, Andreas and Rasche, Leo and Hudecek, Michael and Sauer, Markus and Groll, J{\"u}rgen and Einsele, Hermann and Kraus, Sabrina and Kort{\"u}m, Martin K.}, title = {Actin cytoskeleton deregulation confers midostaurin resistance in FLT3-mutant acute myeloid leukemia}, series = {Communications Biology}, volume = {4}, journal = {Communications Biology}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1038/s42003-021-02215-w}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-260709}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The presence of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) is one of the most frequent mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. FLT3 inhibitors, such as midostaurin, are used clinically but fail to entirely eradicate FLT3-ITD+AML. This study introduces a new perspective and highlights the impact of RAC1-dependent actin cytoskeleton remodeling on resistance to midostaurin in AML. RAC1 hyperactivation leads resistance via hyperphosphorylation of the positive regulator of actin polymerization N-WASP and antiapoptotic BCL-2. RAC1/N-WASP, through ARP2/3 complex activation, increases the number of actin filaments, cell stiffness and adhesion forces to mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) being identified as a biomarker of resistance. Midostaurin resistance can be overcome by a combination of midostaruin, the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax and the RAC1 inhibitor Eht1864 in midostaurin-resistant AML cell lines and primary samples, providing the first evidence of a potential new treatment approach to eradicate FLT3-ITD+AML. Garitano-Trojaola et al. used a combination of human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines and primary samples to show that RAC1-dependent actin cytoskeleton remodeling through BCL2 family plays a key role in resistance to the FLT3 inhibitor, Midostaurin in AML. They showed that by targeting RAC1 and BCL2, Midostaurin resistance was diminished, which potentially paves the way for an innovate treatment approach for FLT3 mutant AML.}, language = {en} } @article{RiedererMonoranuStrobeletal.2021, author = {Riederer, P. and Monoranu, C. and Strobel, S. and Iordache, T. and Sian-H{\"u}lsmann, J.}, title = {Iron as the concert master in the pathogenic orchestra playing in sporadic Parkinson's disease}, series = {Journal of Neural Transmission}, volume = {128}, journal = {Journal of Neural Transmission}, number = {10}, issn = {1435-1463}, doi = {10.1007/s00702-021-02414-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-268539}, pages = {1577-1598}, year = {2021}, abstract = {About 60 years ago, the discovery of a deficiency of dopamine in the nigro-striatal system led to a variety of symptomatic therapeutic strategies to supplement dopamine and to substantially improve the quality of life of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Since these seminal developments, neuropathological, neurochemical, molecular biological and genetic discoveries contributed to elucidate the pathology of PD. Oxidative stress, the consequences of reactive oxidative species, reduced antioxidative capacity including loss of glutathione, excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, proteasomal dysfunction, apoptosis, lysosomal dysfunction, autophagy, suggested to be causal for ɑ-synuclein fibril formation and aggregation and contributing to neuroinflammation and neural cell death underlying this devastating disorder. However, there are no final conclusions about the triggered pathological mechanism(s) and the follow-up of pathological dysfunctions. Nevertheless, it is a fact, that iron, a major component of oxidative reactions, as well as neuromelanin, the major intraneuronal chelator of iron, undergo an age-dependent increase. And ageing is a major risk factor for PD. Iron is significantly increased in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of PD. Reasons for this finding include disturbances in iron-related import and export mechanisms across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), localized opening of the BBB at the nigro-striatal tract including brain vessel pathology. Whether this pathology is of primary or secondary importance is not known. We assume that there is a better fit to the top-down hypotheses and pathogens entering the brain via the olfactory system, then to the bottom-up (gut-brain) hypothesis of PD pathology. Triggers for the bottom-up, the dual-hit and the top-down pathologies include chemicals, viruses and bacteria. If so, hepcidin, a regulator of iron absorption and its distribution into tissues, is suggested to play a major role in the pathogenesis of iron dyshomeostasis and risk for initiating and progressing ɑ-synuclein pathology. The role of glial components to the pathology of PD is still unknown. However, the dramatic loss of glutathione (GSH), which is mainly synthesized in glia, suggests dysfunction of this process, or GSH uptake into neurons. Loss of GSH and increase in SNpc iron concentration have been suggested to be early, may be even pre-symptomatic processes in the pathology of PD, despite the fact that they are progression factors. The role of glial ferritin isoforms has not been studied so far in detail in human post-mortem brain tissue and a close insight into their role in PD is called upon. In conclusion, "iron" is a major player in the pathology of PD. Selective chelation of excess iron at the site of the substantia nigra, where a dysfunction of the BBB is suggested, with peripherally acting iron chelators is suggested to contribute to the portfolio and therapeutic armamentarium of anti-Parkinson medications.}, language = {en} } @article{WallstabeBussemerGroeberBeckeretal.2020, author = {Wallstabe, Julia and Bussemer, Lydia and Groeber-Becker, Florian and Freund, Lukas and Alb, Mirian and Dragan, Mariola and Waaga-Gasser, Ana Maria and Jakubietz, Rafael and Kneitz, Hermann and Rosenwald, Andreas and Rebhan, Silke and Walles, Heike and Mielke, Stephan}, title = {Inflammation-Induced Tissue Damage Mimicking GvHD in Human Skin Models as Test Platform for Immunotherapeutics}, series = {ALTEX}, volume = {37}, journal = {ALTEX}, number = {3}, doi = {10.14573/altex.1907181}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-229974}, pages = {429-440}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Due to the rapidly increasing development and use of cellular products, there is a rising demand for non-animal-based test platforms to predict, study and treat undesired immunity. Here, we generated human organotypic skin models from human biopsies by isolating and expanding keratinocytes, fibroblasts and microvascular endothelial cells and seeding these components on a collagen matrix or a biological vascularized scaffold matrix in a bioreactor. We then were able to induce inflammation-mediated tissue damage by adding pre-stimulated, mismatched allogeneic lymphocytes and/or inflammatory cytokine-containing supernatants histomorphologically mimicking severe graft versus host disease (GvHD) of the skin. This could be prevented by the addition of immunosuppressants to the models. Consequently, these models harbor a promising potential to serve as a test platform for the prediction, prevention and treatment of GvHD. They also allow functional studies of immune effectors and suppressors including but not limited to allodepleted lymphocytes, gamma-delta T cells, regulatory T cells and mesenchymal stromal cells, which would otherwise be limited to animal models. Thus, the current test platform, developed with the limitation that no professional antigen presenting cells are in place, could greatly reduce animal testing for investigation of novel immune therapies.}, language = {en} } @article{MainzSarhanRothetal.2022, author = {Mainz, Laura and Sarhan, Mohamed A. F. E. and Roth, Sabine and Sauer, Ursula and Maurus, Katja and Hartmann, Elena M. and Seibert, Helen-Desiree and Rosenwald, Andreas and Diefenbacher, Markus E. and Rosenfeldt, Mathias T.}, title = {Autophagy blockage reduces the incidence of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in the context of mutant Trp53}, series = {Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology}, issn = {2296-634X}, doi = {10.3389/fcell.2022.785252}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-266005}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Macroautophagy (hereafter referred to as autophagy) is a homeostatic process that preserves cellular integrity. In mice, autophagy regulates pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) development in a manner dependent on the status of the tumor suppressor gene Trp53. Studies published so far have investigated the impact of autophagy blockage in tumors arising from Trp53-hemizygous or -homozygous tissue. In contrast, in human PDACs the tumor suppressor gene TP53 is mutated rather than allelically lost, and TP53 mutants retain pathobiological functions that differ from complete allelic loss. In order to better represent the patient situation, we have investigated PDAC development in a well-characterized genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) of PDAC with mutant Trp53 (Trp53\(^{R172H}\)) and deletion of the essential autophagy gene Atg7. Autophagy blockage reduced PDAC incidence but had no impact on survival time in the subset of animals that formed a tumor. In the absence of Atg7, non-tumor-bearing mice reached a similar age as animals with malignant disease. However, the architecture of autophagy-deficient, tumor-free pancreata was effaced, normal acinar tissue was largely replaced with low-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanINs) and insulin expressing islet β-cells were reduced. Our data add further complexity to the interplay between Atg7 inhibition and Trp53 status in tumorigenesis.}, language = {en} } @article{BaeuerleinQureischiMokhtarietal.2021, author = {B{\"a}uerlein, Carina A. and Qureischi, Musga and Mokhtari, Zeinab and Tabares, Paula and Brede, Christian and Jord{\´a}n Garrote, Ana-Laura and Riedel, Simone S. and Chopra, Martin and Reu, Simone and Mottok, Anja and Arellano-Viera, Estibaliz and Graf, Carolin and Kurzwart, Miriam and Schmiedgen, Katharina and Einsele, Hermann and W{\"o}lfl, Matthias and Schlegel, Paul-Gerhardt and Beilhack, Andreas}, title = {A T-Cell Surface Marker Panel Predicts Murine Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease}, series = {Frontiers in Immunology}, volume = {11}, journal = {Frontiers in Immunology}, issn = {1664-3224}, doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2020.593321}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-224290}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) is a severe and often life-threatening complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). AGvHD is mediated by alloreactive donor T-cells targeting predominantly the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and skin. Recent work in mice and patients undergoing allo-HCT showed that alloreactive T-cells can be identified by the expression of α4β7 integrin on T-cells even before manifestation of an aGvHD. Here, we investigated whether the detection of a combination of the expression of T-cell surface markers on peripheral blood (PB) CD8\(^+\) T-cells would improve the ability to predict aGvHD. To this end, we employed two independent preclinical models of minor histocompatibility antigen mismatched allo-HCT following myeloablative conditioning. Expression profiles of integrins, selectins, chemokine receptors, and activation markers of PB donor T-cells were measured with multiparameter flow cytometry at multiple time points before the onset of clinical aGvHD symptoms. In both allo-HCT models, we demonstrated a significant upregulation of α4β7 integrin, CD162E, CD162P, and conversely, a downregulation of CD62L on donor T-cells, which could be correlated with the development of aGvHD. Other surface markers, such as CD25, CD69, and CC-chemokine receptors were not found to be predictive markers. Based on these preclinical data from mouse models, we propose a surface marker panel on peripheral blood T-cells after allo-HCT combining α4β7 integrin with CD62L, CD162E, and CD162P (cutaneous lymphocyte antigens, CLA, in humans) to identify patients at risk for developing aGvHD early after allo-HCT.}, language = {en} } @article{RosenfeldtHartmannLengetal.2021, author = {Rosenfeldt, Mathias T. and Hartmann, Elena M. and Leng, Corinna and Rosenwald, Andreas and Anagnostopoulos, Ioannis}, title = {A case of nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma with unexpected EBV-latency type}, series = {Annals of Hematology}, volume = {100}, journal = {Annals of Hematology}, issn = {0939-5555}, doi = {10.1007/s00277-020-04174-4}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-232571}, pages = {2635-2637}, year = {2021}, abstract = {No abstract available.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Lu2020, author = {Lu, Yunzhi}, title = {Kinetics of mouse and human muscle type nicotinic receptor channels}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-19268}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-192688}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Acetylcholine (ACh) mediates transmission at vertebrate neuromuscular junctions and many other synapses. The postsynaptic ACh receptors at neuromuscular junctions are of the nicotinic subtype (nAChRs). They are among the best studied receptor channels and often serve as models or receptor prototypes. Despite a wealth of information on muscle type nAChRs so far little is known about species specific functional differences. In this work, mouse and human adult muscle type nAChRs are investigated. Cell attached recordings in the HEK293T heterologous expression system provided evidence that the ACh affinity of recombinant mouse and human adult muscle type nAChRs are different. To clarify this, I compared these receptors in outside-out patches employing a system for fast agonist application. Thus, the individual membrane patches with receptors can be exposed to various ligand concentrations. In response to 10 and 30 µM ACh normalized peak currents ({\^i}) were significantly larger and current rise-time (tr) shorter in human than in mouse receptors. Analyzing dose-response curves of {\^i} and tr and fitting them with a two-step equivalent binding-site kinetic mechanism revealed a two-fold higher ACh association rate constant in human compared to mouse receptors. Furthermore, human nAChRs were blocked faster in outside-out patches by superfusion of 300 nM α-Bungarotoxin (α-Bgtx) than mouse nAChRs. Finally, human nAChRs in outside-out patches showed higher affinity at 3 µM ACh than chimeric receptors consisting of mouse α- and human β-, γ- and ε-subunits. The higher affinity of human than mouse receptors for ACh and α-Bgtx is thus at least in part due to sequence difference in their α-subunits.}, subject = {Nicotinischer Acetylcholinrezeptor}, language = {en} } @article{Romero‐OlmedoSchulzHuberetal.2021, author = {Romero-Olmedo, Addi J. and Schulz, Axel R. and Huber, Magdalena and Brehm, Corinna U. and Chang, Hyun-Dong and Chiarolla, Cristina M. and Bopp, Tobias and Skevaki, Chrysanthi and Berberich-Siebelt, Friederike and Radbruch, Andreas and Mei, Henrik E. and Lohoff, Michael}, title = {Deep phenotypical characterization of human CD3\(^{+}\)CD56\(^{+}\) T cells by mass cytometry}, series = {European Journal of Immunology}, volume = {51}, journal = {European Journal of Immunology}, number = {3}, doi = {10.1002/eji.202048941}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-225699}, pages = {672 -- 681}, year = {2021}, abstract = {CD56\(^{+}\) T cells are a group of pro-inflammatory CD3\(^{+}\) lymphocytes with characteristics of natural killer cells, being involved in antimicrobial immune defense. Here, we performed deep phenotypic profiling of CD3\(^{+}\)CD56\(^{+}\) cells in peripheral blood of normal human donors and individuals sensitized to birch-pollen or/and house dust mite by high-dimensional mass cytometry combined with manual and computational data analysis. A co-regulation between major conventional T-cell subsets and their respective CD3\(^{+}\)CD56\(^{+}\) cell counterparts appeared restricted to CD8\(^{+}\), MAIT, and TCRγδ\(^{+}\) T-cell compartments. Interestingly, we find a co-regulation of several CD3\(^{+}\)CD56\(^{+}\) cell subsets in allergic but not in healthy individuals. Moreover, using FlowSOM, we distinguished a variety of CD56\(^{+}\) T-cell phenotypes demonstrating a hitherto underestimated heterogeneity among these cells. The novel CD3\(^{+}\)CD56\(^{+}\) subset description comprises phenotypes superimposed with naive, memory, type 1, 2, and 17 differentiation stages, in part represented by a phenotypical continuum. Frequencies of two out of 19 CD3\(^{+}\)CD56\(^{+}\) FlowSOM clusters were significantly diminished in allergic individuals, demonstrating less frequent presence of cells with cytolytic, presumably protective, capacity in these donors consistent with defective expansion or their recruitment to the affected tissue. Our results contribute to defining specific cell populations to be targeted during therapy for allergic conditions.}, language = {en} } @article{WeberGlutschGeissingeretal.2020, author = {Weber, J. and Glutsch, V. and Geissinger, E. and Haug, L. and Lock, J.F. and Schneider, F. and Kneitz, H. and Goebeler, M. and Schilling, B. and Gesierich, A.}, title = {Neoadjuvant immunotherapy with combined ipilimumab and nivolumab in patients with melanoma with primary or in transit disease}, series = {British Journal of Dermatology}, volume = {183}, journal = {British Journal of Dermatology}, number = {3}, doi = {10.1111/bjd.18739}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-213520}, pages = {559-563}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The introduction of new therapeutic agents has revolutionized the treatment of metastatic melanoma. The approval of adjuvant anti-programmed death-1 monotherapy with nivolumab or pembrolizumab, and dabrafenib plus trametinib has recently set a new landmark in the treatment of stage III melanoma. Now, clinical trials have shown that immune checkpoint blockade can be performed in a neoadjuvant setting, an approach established as a standard therapeutic approach for other tumour entities such as breast cancer. Recent studies suggest that a pathological response achieved by neoadjuvant immunotherapy is associated with long-term tumour control and that short neoadjuvant application of checkpoint inhibitors may be superior to adjuvant therapy. Most recently, neoadjuvant ipilimumab plus nivolumab in stage III melanoma was reported. With two courses of dose-optimized ipilimumab (1 mg kg-1) combined with nivolumab (3 mg kg-1), pathological responses were observed in 77\% of patients, while only 20\% of patients experienced grade 3 or 4 adverse events. However, the neoadjuvant trials employing combined immune checkpoint blockade conducted so far have excluded patients with in transit metastases, a common finding in stage III melanoma. Here we report four patients with in transit metastases or an advanced primary tumour who have been treated with neoadjuvant ipilimumab plus nivolumab according to the OpACIN-neo trial scheme (arm B). All patients achieved radiological disease control and a pathological response. None of the patients has relapsed so far.}, language = {en} }