COVID-19
We have worked at high pace to contribute to our understanding of adaptive immunity in COVID-19 and other conditions triggered by SARS-CoV-2.
1 \ Adaptive immunity in acute COVID-19
While B and T cell responses may lead to rapid viral clearance, there are a number of pathological responses to SARS-CoV-2 that impair long-lived memory and may even lead to the selection of autoreactive immune cells.
References
Claaß et al 2023, Cancer Medicine
Paschold et al 2022, Front Immunol
Schultheiß et al 2021, iScience
Simnica, Schultheiß, Mohme et al 2021, Clin Transl Immnol
2 \ Long COVID-19
In addition to the threat of exhausting intensive care capacities, this health crisis confronts us with a large number of "long-haulers" that have persisting symptoms many months after infection. We wish to understand the molecular basis of this new and globally relevant health problem.
References
Fischer et al 2024, npj Vaccines
Schultheiß et al 2023, Journal of Medical Virology
3 \ MIS-C
In a consortial effort with Prof. Moshe Arditi and his group from L.A., we investigated immune system abnormalities in school children suffering from multisystem inflammatory syndrom after SARS-CoV-2 exposure. In this great collaboration, we identified profound alterations such as superantigenic expansion of a certain class of stereotyped T cell receptor in a HLA-dependent manner as well as selection of autoreactive B cells.
References
Let's Work Together
Exchange of knowledge is essential for scientific progress. If you have an idea on how we could help you with your project or vice versa just contact us. We are always interestd in cooperations.