New findings on infection with the Epstein-Barr virus
—The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause certain types of cancer or autoimmune diseases, but how the body controls this common viral infection is largely unknown. Bonn researchers have now identified genetic and non-genetic factors that help the body fight EBV. To do this, they evaluated genome sequencing data, which is actually intended for characterizing the human genome, in a new way. Using the new technique, they were able to estimate the amount of EBV in the blood and find correlations in large health data sets. Their findings have now been published in the renowned journal Nature.
—A short-term oat-based diet appears to be surprisingly effective at reducing the cholesterol level. This is indicated by a trial by the University of Bonn, which has now been published in the journal Nature Communications.
New insights into the human immune defense against poxviruses
—An international research team involving Bonn scientist has made an important contribution to understanding the human immune response to poxviruses: The scientists were able to show for the first time that different human cell types recognize poxviruses via different sensors in order to trigger inflammatory responses. At the same time, the team developed the world's first nanobodies that can specifically block the DNA sensor AIM2 – a tool that opens up new possibilities for inflammation and infection research. The paper has now been published in The EMBO Journal.
—Our giant phagocytes in the liver are the “butlers” of the tissues: they not only fight bacteria, but also eat metabolic waste and even microplastics. “They also make sure that the neighboring cells are happy,” says developmental biologist and immunologist Prof. Dr. Elvira Mass from the LIMES Institute. In the new episode of Bonn University's podcast "die Hypothese" (the hypothesis), she discusses the thesis “We have our macropahges under control!” with host Denis Nasser.
Multiple Sclerosis: Potential biomarker linked to progression and brain inflammation identified
—Better ways to detect ongoing brain damage in multiple sclerosis (MS) are urgently needed. An international team of scientists, including ImmunoSensation³ member Prof. Anne-Katrin Pröbstel, has identified a molecular circuit that drives brain injury in MS. In a mouse model, blocking the enzyme Bruton's tyrosine kinase prevented harmful clustering of immune cell and brain tissue demage. Patient data revealed the same immune signaling pattern, suggesting strong translational potential for diagnosis. The study was recently published in Nature Immunology.
—MOG Antibody-associated Disease (MOGAD) is a rare autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. The blood of patients contains antibodies against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), a protein in the myelin layer that surrounds the neurons in the brain. It is believed that these antibodies contribute to the destruction of this protective layer in the brain. Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the Universities of Basel and Bonn, in collaboration with an international team, have now deciphered the construction plan of the anti-MOG antibodies.
A fatal mix-up: how certain gut bacteria drive multiple sclerosis
—If gut bacteria are too similar to the protective layer of nerves, they can misdirect the immune system and cause it to attack its own nervous system. This mechanism can accelerate the progression of multiple sclerosis, as researchers at the University of Basel, together with colleagues in Bonn, have shown in trials with mice. However, their results also open up opportunities for treatments that make use of the microbiome. The results have now been published in the journal Gut Microbes.
New vulnerability of asthma immune cells discovered
—Why do certain immune cells remain permanently active in allergic asthma – even in an environment that should actually damage them? A team from the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn has discovered that these cells only survive because they activate a special antioxidant protection mechanism. When this mechanism is blocked, allergic inflammation in mouse models decreases significantly. The results have now been published in the scientific journal Immunity.
A starting point for the development of new pain and cancer drugs
—The human P2X4 receptor plays an important role in chronic pain, inflammation and some types of cancer. Researchers at the University of Bonn and the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) have now discovered a mechanism that can inhibit this receptor. The results were recently published in the scientific journal Nature Communications and open up a pathway for the development of new drugs. A study carried out by the University of Bonn and the University Hospital Bonn throws light on how P2X2 can be inhibited. The results have recently been published in Nature Communications.
