69 results match your criteria: "an institute of the Leibniz Association[Affiliation]"

Long-Term Safety and Effectiveness of Canakinumab in Patients with MKD/HIDS: Interim Analysis of the RELIANCE Registry.

Rheumatol Ther

December 2024

Division of Paediatric Rheumatology and Autoinflammation Reference Centre Tübingen, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Tübingen; Member of ERN-RITA, Tübingen, Germany.

Introduction: Interim analysis of the long-term safety and effectiveness of canakinumab, at a patient level, in the mevalonate kinase deficiency/hyperimmunoglobulin-D syndrome (MKD/HIDS) cohort of the RELIANCE registry.

Methods: From June 2018, the RELIANCE registry enrolled paediatric (aged ≥ 2 years) and adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with MKD/HIDS who were receiving canakinumab as part of their routine medical care. Safety, physician- and patient-reported measures of disease activity and dosing patterns were evaluated at baseline and every 6 months until end-of-study visit.

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Dominant negative mutations cause ADA2 deficiency in heterozygous carriers.

medRxiv

December 2024

Laboratory Inborn errors of Immunity, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.

Human ADA2 deficiency (DADA2) is an inborn error of immunity with a broad clinical phenotype which encompasses vasculopathy including livedo racemosa and lacunar strokes, as well as hemato-immunological features. Diagnosis is based on the combination of decreased serum ADA2 activity and the identification of biallelic deleterious alleles in the gene. DADA2 carriers harbor a single pathogenic variant in and are mostly considered healthy and asymptomatic.

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Tissue-resident immune cells, such as innate lymphoid cells, mediate protective or detrimental immune responses at barrier surfaces. Upon activation by stromal or epithelial cell-derived alarmins, group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are a rapid source of type 2 cytokines, such as IL-5. However, due to the overlap in effector functions, it remains unresolved whether ILC2s are an essential component of the type 2 response or whether their function can be compensated by other cells, such as T cells.

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Gasdermin C is one of the least studied members of the gasdermin family of proteins, known for their critical involvement in pyroptosis and host defense. Furthermore, evidence for the role of Gasdermin C in the intestine is scarce and partly controversial. Here, we tested the functional role of Gasdermin C in intestinal homeostasis, inflammation and tumorigenesis.

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Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for initiating protective immune responses and have also been implicated in the generation and regulation of Foxp3 regulatory T cells (Treg cells). Here, we show that in the lamina propria of the small intestine, the alternative NF-κB family member RelB is necessary for the differentiation of cryptopatch and isolated lymphoid follicle-associated DCs (CIA-DCs). Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing reveals a RelB-dependent signature in migratory DCs in mesenteric lymph nodes favoring DC-Treg cell interaction including elevated expression and release of the chemokine CCL22 from RelB-deficient conventional DCs (cDCs).

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Retention of ES cell-derived 129S genome drives NLRP1 hypersensitivity and transcriptional deregulation in Nlrp3 mice.

Cell Death Differ

December 2024

Institute of Innate Immunity, Department for Systems Immunology and Proteomics, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.

Article Synopsis
  • Immune response genes vary widely among humans and mice, leading to different defense responses based on genetic differences, which can complicate research outcomes.
  • This study used RNA sequencing and variant analysis to uncover significant genetic variations in a commonly used mouse model of NLRP3 deficiency, highlighting the impact of the Nlrp1 locus on macrophage activation independently of the NLRP3 status.
  • The research provides a method to identify important genetic variations and evaluate contamination in transgenic mice studies, enhancing the reliability of findings in host defense research.
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Effector memory-type regulatory T cells display phenotypic and functional instability.

Sci Adv

September 2024

Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Experimental Immunotherapy, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany.

Regulatory T cells (T cells) hold promise for sustainable therapy of immune disorders. Recent advancements in chimeric antigen receptor development and genome editing aim to enhance the specificity and function of T cells. However, impurities and functional instability pose challenges for the development of safe gene-edited T cell products.

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In sparse data meta-analyses (with few trials or zero events), conventional methods may distort results. Although better-performing one-stage methods have become available in recent years, their implementation remains limited in practice. This study examines the impact of using conventional methods compared to one-stage models by re-analysing meta-analyses from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in scenarios with zero event trials and few trials.

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Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) contributing to immune responses to microbes and tumors. Historically, their classification hinged on a limited array of surface protein markers. Here, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing (CITE-seq) to dissect the heterogeneity of NK cells.

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Objective: Interim analysis of the RELIANCE registry, an on-going, non-interventional, open-label, multicentre, prospective study evaluating the long-term safety, dosing regimens and effectiveness of canakinumab in patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), tumour-necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) or mevalonate-kinase deficiency (MKD)/hyperimmunoglobulin-D syndrome (HIDS).

Methods: From September 2017 for patients with CAPS, and June 2018 for patients with FMF, TRAPS or MKD/HIDS, the registry enrolled paediatric (aged ≥2 years) and adult patients (aged ≥18 years) receiving canakinumab as part of their routine medical care. Safety, canakinumab dose, disease activity and quality of life outcome measures were evaluated at baseline and every 6 months until end of study visit.

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UNC93B1 variants underlie TLR7-dependent autoimmunity.

Sci Immunol

February 2024

Department of Pediatrics, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany.

Article Synopsis
  • * Variants of UNC93B1 (E92G and R336L) were found in patients with early-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), correlating with heightened inflammatory responses when stimulated by TLR7/TLR8 agonists.
  • * The E92G variant destabilizes the UNC93B1 protein, leading to increased TLR7 activity and type I interferon signaling, pointing to a potential therapeutic target for managing SLE by focusing on TLR7.
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Background: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a prototypical autoinflammatory syndrome associated with phagocytic cell activation. Pyrin mutations are the genetic basis of this disease, and its expression has been shown in monocytes, granulocytes, dendritic cells, and synovial fibroblasts. Pyrin functions as a cytosolic pattern recognition receptor and forms a distinct pyrin inflammasome.

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New dawn of cellular therapies in autoimmune diseases.

Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev

December 2023

Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.

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Cross-regulation of antibody responses against the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and commensal microbiota via molecular mimicry.

Cell Host Microbe

November 2023

Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum (DRFZ), an Institute of the Leibniz Association, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology and Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; Biological Faculty, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia. Electronic address:

The commensal microflora provides a repertoire of antigens that illicit mucosal antibodies. In some cases, these antibodies can cross-react with host proteins, inducing autoimmunity, or with other microbial antigens. We demonstrate that the oral microbiota can induce salivary anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike IgG antibodies via molecular mimicry.

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Article Synopsis
  • Natural killer (NK) cells and type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1) need the protein STAT4 to respond quickly to pathogens and help with immune defense.
  • Research using genetic and transcriptomic methods revealed that STAT4 has different roles in the development of NK cells and ILC1, affecting their ability to fight infections.
  • STAT4 helps control inflammation in the gut by modulating immune responses, especially by limiting the production of harmful molecules from certain T cells during intestinal inflammation.
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Treat-to-target strategies for the management of familial Mediterranean Fever in children.

Pediatr Rheumatol Online J

September 2023

Department of Paediatric Pulmonology, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.

Background: The objective of this initiative was to develop a treat-to-target (T2T) approach for the management of patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), including the definition of a complex treatment target, and establish strategies that improve patient care and long-term outcome.

Methods: An initial set of statements as well as a flow chart visualising the proposed concept was developed. To adapt the preliminary statements to the current state of knowledge, a systematic literature search was performed and the modified statements were subject to a Delphi approach.

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Cytokine storms are the cause of complications in patients with severe COVID-19, and it becomes the target of therapy. Several natural compounds were selected to screen the inhibitory effect on T-cell proliferation by Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) and cytokine production by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Open reading frame 3a (ORF3a) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) stimulates the specific T-cell activation model in vivo and in vitro.

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The situation of limited data concerning the response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations in immunocom-promised children hinders evidence-based recommendations. This prospective observational study investigated humoral and T cell responses after primary BNT162b2 vaccination in secondary immunocompromised and healthy children aged 5-11 years. Participants were categorized as: children after kidney transplantation (KTx, = 9), proteinuric glomerulonephritis (GN, = 4) and healthy children (controls, = 8).

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Rescue combination treatment of anti-MDA5-associated ARDS with daratumumab.

RMD Open

July 2023

Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Campus Mitte and Virchow, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.

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Sustained responses after anti-CD38 treatment with daratumumab in two patients with refractory systemic lupus erythematosus.

Ann Rheum Dis

November 2023

Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany.

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Article Synopsis
  • Researchers found 15 new genetic variants in the PSMC3 gene, linked to a specific type of neurodevelopmental delay and intellectual disability in 23 unrelated patients.
  • Mouse and fruit fly experiments showed that these variants hindered normal neuron growth and learning abilities.
  • The variants were shown to disrupt proteasome function, leading to cellular stress and abnormal immune responses, suggesting a connection between proteasome issues and neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Regulation of tumor angiogenesis by the crosstalk between innate immunity and endothelial cells.

Front Oncol

May 2023

Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology (I-MIDI), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.

Endothelial cells and immune cells are major regulators of cancer progression and prognosis. Endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis are required for providing nutrients and oxygen to the nascent tumor and infiltration of immune cells to the tumor is dependent on endothelial cell activation. Myeloid cells and innate lymphocytes have an important role in shaping the tumor microenvironment by crosstalking with cancer cells and structural cells, including endothelial cells.

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This is the first case report on two children presenting with immediate and severe hemolytic anemia following the administration of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) in the context of pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS). Hemolytic anemia was described as a significant decrease in hemoglobin and an increase in lactate dehydrogenase after the second administration of high-dose IVIGs was performed. Both patients were found to have AB blood group.

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Objective: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterised by an abundant desmoplastic stroma composed of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) and interspersed immune cells. A non-canonical CD8 T-cell subpopulation producing IL-17A (Tc17) promotes autoimmunity and has been identified in tumours. Here, we evaluated the Tc17 role in PDAC.

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Regulation of innate immune system function by the microbiome: Consequences for tumor immunity and cancer immunotherapy.

Semin Immunol

March 2023

Laboratory of Innate Immunity, Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology (I-MIDI), Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; Mucosal and Developmental Immunology, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum (DRFZ), an Institute of the Leibniz Association, Berlin, Germany; Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany. Electronic address:

Innate effector cells are immune cells endowed with host protective features and cytotoxic functions. By sensing the tissue environment, innate cells have an important role in regulating the transition from homeostasis to inflammation and the establishment of pathological states, including the onset and development of cancer. The tumor microenvironment induces molecular and functional modifications in innate cells, dampening their capability to initiate and sustain anti-tumor immune responses.

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