—The innermost layer of blood vessels is formed by endothelial cells, which in turn play a role in the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system. Human endothelial cells are therefore required for the "in vitro" investigation of the causes of these diseases. Bonn Researchers have now established a highly efficient, cost-effective and reproducible way to generate functional endothelial cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) for tests in cell culture dishes. The results of the study have now been published in the journal " Cardiovascular Research".
—Whether or not a person becomes seriously ill with COVID-19 depends, among other things, on genetic factors. With this in mind, researchers from Bonn, in cooperation with other research teams, investigated a particularly large group of affected individuals. They confirmed the central and already known role of the TLR7 gene in severe courses of the disease in men, but were also able to find evidence for a contribution of the gene in women. In addition, they were able to show that genetic changes in three other genes of the innate immune system contribute to severe COVID-19.
—The majority of rare diseases have a genetic cause. The underlying genetic alteration can be found more and more easily, for example by means of exome sequencing (ES), leading to a molecular genetic diagnosis. ES is an examination of all sections of our genetic material (DNA) that code for proteins. As part of a Germany-wide multicenter study, ES data was collected from 1,577 patients and systematically evaluated.
New study reveals role of glial IL-1R signaling in colorectal cancer
—Interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) signaling plays a crucial role in the immune system, mediating inflammatory responses and maintaining homeostasis. This signaling pathway is vital for the activation and regulation of immune cells, helping to combat infections and other threats. Its dysregulation has been implicated in various pathological conditions, including autoimmune diseases and cancer. One crucial player in intestinal IL-1R signaling is enteric glial cells. Enteric glia have been described as important regulators of intestinal inflammation, mediating immune responses i.e. via IL-1R.
Better understanding the activation of the immune defense
—Researchers from the Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the Excellence Cluster ImmunoSensation² of the University of Bonn are conducting a clinical study to investigate the effects of an HIV medication on the human immune system. The study is looking for healthy men between the ages of 25 and 40.
Scientists Unravel Life-saving Effect of Dexamethasone in COVID-19
—Dexamethasone is one of the most important drugs in the treatment of severe COVID-19, but patients respond very differently to the therapy. Researchers at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin have now discovered how the cortisone compound influences the impaired inflammatory response and which patients benefit from it. Their method uses so-called single-cell analyses and raises hopes for a precise prediction tool for other therapies and diseases as well. The findings have been published in the scientific journal Cell.
Completion of the WANDlabor Art Project art@immunosensation
—The innovative WANDlabor project, a collaboration between the ImmunoSensation2 Cluster of Excellence at the University of Bonn at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences Alfter, has been successfully completed. This interdisciplinary project combined groundbreaking immunological research with artistic and social science perspectives to create a unique platform for science communication and public engagement.
—Monocytes, a special type of white blood cell, secrete cytokines as inflammatory messengers that are crucial for an appropriate immune response. Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn have now discovered that platelets, also known as thrombocytes, communicate with monocytes and increase their inflammatory capacity. By understanding the platelet-monocyte interaction, they hope to improve the treatment of immune disorders and associated diseases.
—The WANDlabor project represents the collaboration between Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences and the Excellence Cluster ImmunoSensation, bringing together the art and science in an innovative and inspiring way. This initiative, part of the art@immunosensation program, aims to explore the intersections of artistic expression and scientific research, fostering a dialogue that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries.
