—Toll like receptors (TLRs) are an integral part of our innate immune defense, as they recognize various pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPS). The TLR family members 7 and 8 are capable of detecting RNA molecules, actually in order to alert for viral infections. But both receptors may also be stimulated by artificial RNA molecules. A commonly known agonist of TLR7 and TLR8 is the 18s-rRNA derived oligonucleotide RNA63. It has been shown, that the receptor specificity of RNA63 is strongly dependent on the RNA…
—Our own immune system can become the enemy when mechanisms that are actually protective get out of control. In ANCA-associated vasculitis, excessive inflammatory reactions lead to pulmonary hemorrhages that can be fatal if left untreated. Researchers at ImmunoSensation², together with colleagues from Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and England, have deciphered a mechanism in mice and patients that leads to the severe disease. The results are now published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine.
Structure of periplasmic TRAP transporter revealed
—Elevator Tripartite ATP-independent periplasmic (TRAP) transporters are found among various bacteria and archaea. They are situated in the periplasmic space and act as transport proteins for organic acids and related molecules. Though TRAP transporters are known to harbor two transmembrane domains and one soluble substrate-binding protein domain, until now the exact molecular structure remained elusive. Scientists of the excellence cluster ImmunoSensation² at the University of Bonn in…
Cross-validation of distance measurements in proteins
—In order to investigate intermolecular distances, conformational changes or structural heterogeneity of biological molecules, two different methods are widely used: Pulsed electron-electron double resonance spectroscopy (PELDOR/DEER) and single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer spectroscopy (smFRET). Scientists of the excellence cluster ImmunoSensation² at the University of Bonn and of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich have now compared the accuracy of the two methods. The study…
Covid-19: Immune response hampered by low availability of ketone bodies
—In Covid-19 patients, the metabolism produces energy-rich ketone bodies in insufficient amounts. However, these energy carriers are needed by both helper and killer T-cells in order to fight the virus effectively. Perhaps this finding explains why some people become much more seriously ill than others. A study led by ImmunoSensation² member Prof. Christoph Wilhelm at least points in this direction. The results have now been published in the journal Nature. They also give hope for new therapeutic…
Inosine enhances energy consumption in brown fat tissue
—A study led by ImmunoSensation2 member Prof. Alexander Pfeiffer at the University Hospital Bonn identified a molecule - the purine inosine - that boosts fat burning in brown adipocytes. The mechanism was discovered in mice, but probably exists in humans as well: If a transporter for inosine is less active, the mice remain significantly leaner despite a high-fat diet. The study, which also involved researchers from the University of Leipzig and the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf,…
art@immunosensation: A Membrane between Science and Society
—The Cluster of Excellence ImmunoSensation² of the University of Bonn connects more than 500 researchers and promotes the interdisciplinary exchange of the participating scientists. The art project art@immunosensation adds a new level of reflection to this exchange. Together with scientists from the Cluster of Excellence, artists from the Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences Alfter, under the direction of Prof. Willem-Jan Beeren (architecture) and Prof. Paul Petry (sculpture), are creating a so-called WALL-laboratory (WANDlabor) in the foyer of the Biomedical Center II (BMZII).
—The inflammasome complex is able to sense intrinsic and extrinsic danger signals. Its activation induces an inflammatory response and pyroptotic cell death. ImmunoSensation² Member Prof. Matthias Geyer and his team, together with colleagues from the University of Cologne, were now able to assign a directionality to NLRP3 filament formation. This finding has the potential to conceivably stop inflammation at the "growing end", and thus bring chronic inflammatory diseases to a halt. The study has now been…
Day of Immunology - ImmunoSensation at Bonn city center
—On the occasion of the Day of Immunology, the scientists of the Cluster of Excellence ImmunoSensation² once again presented their research in the city center of Bonn. Anyone interested in immunology could gain a direct insight into current research projects and talk to scientists. In addition, visitors could extract DNA from bananas under supervision or take a look into one of the oversized organ models.
