Here you will find
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACTS
.. which highlight the key findings and methodologies of our publications in a visually engaging and easily understandable format.
C3a mediates endothelial barrier disruption in brain-derived, but not retinal human endothelial cells
Hannah Nora Wolf, Larissa Gümpelein, Juliane Schikora, Diana Pauly
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International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024
This study investigates how human brain and retinal endothelial cells respond to complement anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a in the context of Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The findings reveal that C3a disrupts the brain endothelial barrier, while retinal endothelial cells maintain integrity under similar conditions, suggesting that the brain may be more vulnerable to pathological IgG transport in NMOSD, and highlighting the potential therapeutic importance of regulating C3a and C5a levels.
Inter-tissue differences in oxidative stress susceptibility reveal a less stable endothelial barrier in the brain than in the retina
Hannah Nora Wolf, Larissa Gümpelein, Juliane Schikora, Diana Pauly
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Experimental Neurology, 2024
This study investigates the effects of oxidative stress on brain and retinal endothelial cells, focusing on their barrier integrity and complement protein profiles in the context of Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The results reveal that brain endothelial cells are more susceptible to oxidative stress at higher concentrations of H2O2 compared to retinal endothelial cells, which could explain tissue-specific vulnerabilities in NMOSD and similar autoimmune diseases.
NMOSD IgG impact retinal cells in murine retinal explants
Hannah Nora Wolf, Veronika Ehinger, Larissa Gümpelein, Pratiti Banerjee, Tania Kümpfel, Joachim Havla, Diana Pauly
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Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 2023
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) involve chronic inflammation of the central nervous system, primarily affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord. This study found that NMOSD immunoglobulins cause retinal stress and degeneration in mouse retinal explants, suggesting that retinal damage in NMOSD might occur independently of relapses.
Complement Factor H-Related 3 Enhanced Inflammation and Complement Activation in Human RPE Cells
Nicole Schäfer, Anas Rasras, Delia M Ormenisan, Sabine Amslinger, Volker Enzmann, Herbert Jägle, Diana Pauly
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Frontiers in Immunology, 2021
Our research identifies Complement Factor H-Related 3 (FHR-3) as a key regulator of the complement system in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, inducing a pro-inflammatory environment and inflammasome activation, potentially contributing to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Additionally, our monoclonal antibody, RETC-2-ximab, was shown to mitigate FHR-3's effects, presenting a potential therapeutic target for AMD and related diseases.
