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Be up to date! Have a look at our most recent news.
We are delighted to congratulate Max on successfully completing his PhD! His thesis provided valuable insights into the role of the complement system in the innate immune response, focusing on the pathogens SARS-CoV-2 and Aspergillus fumigatus.
Max's research comprised three significant studies:
(1) Max developed a sensitive MASP-2 ELISA to investigate its association with COVID-19. He found that MASP-2 concentrations were significantly increased in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls and correlated with age, female sex, and higher mortality. Additionally, MASP-2 levels were linked with terminal complement complex (TCC), ficolin-2, ficolin-3, and C-reactive protein (CRP), suggesting MASP-2 as a potential biomarker for COVID-19.
(2) By exploring the binding kinetics of pattern recognition molecules (PRMs) of the complement system on pathogen surfaces, Max discovered that C1q and MBL rapidly bound and then detached from pathogen surfaces within minutes in plasma, a process associated with complement cascade activation. C1q detachment was linked to the activation of the C1 complex, while MBL dissociation relied on overall complement activation and solubilization via C3b.
(3) Max investigated the innate immune responses to A. fumigatus in whole blood, finding that it triggered complement and leukocyte activation, similar to E. coli. Although A. fumigatus induced a less extensive cytokine response compared to E. coli, complement inhibition significantly altered the release of six key cytokines, indicating the complement system's role in cytokine release. The expression of most cytokines depended on the monocyte fraction in whole blood.
Collectively, these studies demonstrate the significant role of the complement system in infections with SARS-CoV-2 and A. fumigatus. Max's work highlights the potential connections between cytokine release, pathogen opsonization, and the detachment of C1q and MBL from microorganisms, though further research is needed to fully understand these mechanisms.
We wish Max the best of luck for his future academic career.
We are thrilled to announce that Beatrice has successfully graduated with her PhD! Her thesis explored the human innate immune system using the lepirudin whole blood model. This model, introduced in 2002, uses the anticoagulant lepirudin to maintain complement system function while preventing blood coagulation. Beatrice's work involved collecting blood in lepirudin-treated tubes, exposing it to various activators, and analyzing cell activation markers, complement activation, and inflammatory mediators.
Beatrice's thesis consisted of three significant papers:
Paper I: Beatrice developed a novel model by selectively removing individual cell populations, revealing the specific roles of monocytes and granulocytes in cytokine release. This study was published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology.
Paper II: She investigated the inflammatory response to Aspergillus fumigatus conidia compared to Escherichia coli, identifying CD14+ monocytes as key contributors to cytokine release. This paper was published in the Journal of Innate Immunity.
Paper III: Beatrice adapted the model to study patients with acute myelogenic leukemia (AML) undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). The study showed that AML patients maintain a functional complement system throughout the transplantation period. This paper is under revision for publication in Frontiers in Immunology.
Collectively, these papers enhance our understanding of innate immune responses and pave the way for new targeted therapeutic strategies.
We are incredibly proud of Beatrice's achievements and wish her all the best in her scientific career.
On the 11th June 2024 two CORVOS ESRs Hang Zhong (IT-1) and Mikel Rezola Artero (FI-2) participated in the 16th International Conference on Complement Therapeutics. They showcased their research through oral presentations and flash poster talk sessions which stimulated scientific discussion and provided invaluable feedback on both projects.
This meeting in Loutraki, Greece, provided an opportunity to bring together complement experts from both academia and industry. Participants shared new data and discussed the latest developments in therapeutic design, clinical trials, and new aspects of complement-driven pathophysiology.
Following an intense, one week program on a wide variety of topics ranging from complement-driven haematological/ocular/kidney/neurological disorders to complement in infectious diseases, the conference finished with a farewell dinner where all the participants enjoyed live music and had the opportunity to learn some local dances. Finally, the evening culminated in the announcement of the awards, where both of the ESRs received trainee awards due to their commendable contributions to the conference.
We are delighted to announce that Mariam has successfully completed her PhD! Her research focused on the complement system, specifically the component C7, which is crucial for the assembly of the membrane attack complex (MAC). While the structure and function of C7 in MAC assembly are well documented, Mariam's work aimed to uncover the non-canonical roles of C7, which are less understood. Mariam's thesis explored several key areas: (1) Extrahepatic Synthesis of C7: Unlike most complement proteins, C7 is primarily synthesized outside the liver, allowing it to regulate local MAC assembly. This unique synthesis pathway suggests that C7 could play distinct roles in different tissues. (2) Association with Disease Pathogenesis: Emerging studies have linked C7 with various diseases, highlighting the need for further investigation into its non-canonical functions. (3) Development of Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) and Immunoassays: A major aim of Mariam's research was to create reliable tools for characterizing C7. She developed monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to native C7, which were then used to establish an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measuring C7 in different matrices. This novel ELISA demonstrated high specificity and no cross-reactivity with similar proteins. (4) Interaction with Clusterin (CLU): Mariam's investigation into the regulatory role of C7 revealed a significant association with the complement inhibitor clusterin (CLU). Her work indicated the presence of a C7-CLU complex in circulation, suggesting that C7 has multifunctional roles beyond its traditional functions in MAC assembly.
Mariam's innovative research has provided new insights into the complex roles of C7 and developed valuable tools for future studies. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and wish her all the best in her scientific career.
Be up to date! Have a look at our most recent news.
We are delighted to congratulate Max on successfully completing his PhD! His thesis provided valuable insights into the role of the complement system in the innate immune response, focusing on the pathogens SARS-CoV-2 and Aspergillus fumigatus.
Max's research comprised three significant studies:
(1) Max developed a sensitive MASP-2 ELISA to investigate its association with COVID-19. He found that MASP-2 concentrations were significantly increased in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls and correlated with age, female sex, and higher mortality. Additionally, MASP-2 levels were linked with terminal complement complex (TCC), ficolin-2, ficolin-3, and C-reactive protein (CRP), suggesting MASP-2 as a potential biomarker for COVID-19.
(2) By exploring the binding kinetics of pattern recognition molecules (PRMs) of the complement system on pathogen surfaces, Max discovered that C1q and MBL rapidly bound and then detached from pathogen surfaces within minutes in plasma, a process associated with complement cascade activation. C1q detachment was linked to the activation of the C1 complex, while MBL dissociation relied on overall complement activation and solubilization via C3b.
(3) Max investigated the innate immune responses to A. fumigatus in whole blood, finding that it triggered complement and leukocyte activation, similar to E. coli. Although A. fumigatus induced a less extensive cytokine response compared to E. coli, complement inhibition significantly altered the release of six key cytokines, indicating the complement system's role in cytokine release. The expression of most cytokines depended on the monocyte fraction in whole blood.
Collectively, these studies demonstrate the significant role of the complement system in infections with SARS-CoV-2 and A. fumigatus. Max's work highlights the potential connections between cytokine release, pathogen opsonization, and the detachment of C1q and MBL from microorganisms, though further research is needed to fully understand these mechanisms.
We wish Max the best of luck for his future academic career.
We are thrilled to announce that Beatrice has successfully graduated with her PhD! Her thesis explored the human innate immune system using the lepirudin whole blood model. This model, introduced in 2002, uses the anticoagulant lepirudin to maintain complement system function while preventing blood coagulation. Beatrice's work involved collecting blood in lepirudin-treated tubes, exposing it to various activators, and analyzing cell activation markers, complement activation, and inflammatory mediators.
Beatrice's thesis consisted of three significant papers:
Paper I: Beatrice developed a novel model by selectively removing individual cell populations, revealing the specific roles of monocytes and granulocytes in cytokine release. This study was published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology.
Paper II: She investigated the inflammatory response to Aspergillus fumigatus conidia compared to Escherichia coli, identifying CD14+ monocytes as key contributors to cytokine release. This paper was published in the Journal of Innate Immunity.
Paper III: Beatrice adapted the model to study patients with acute myelogenic leukemia (AML) undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). The study showed that AML patients maintain a functional complement system throughout the transplantation period. This paper is under revision for publication in Frontiers in Immunology.
Collectively, these papers enhance our understanding of innate immune responses and pave the way for new targeted therapeutic strategies.
We are incredibly proud of Beatrice's achievements and wish her all the best in her scientific career.
On the 11th June 2024 two CORVOS ESRs Hang Zhong (IT-1) and Mikel Rezola Artero (FI-2) participated in the 16th International Conference on Complement Therapeutics. They showcased their research through oral presentations and flash poster talk sessions which stimulated scientific discussion and provided invaluable feedback on both projects.
This meeting in Loutraki, Greece, provided an opportunity to bring together complement experts from both academia and industry. Participants shared new data and discussed the latest developments in therapeutic design, clinical trials, and new aspects of complement-driven pathophysiology.
Following an intense, one week program on a wide variety of topics ranging from complement-driven haematological/ocular/kidney/neurological disorders to complement in infectious diseases, the conference finished with a farewell dinner where all the participants enjoyed live music and had the opportunity to learn some local dances. Finally, the evening culminated in the announcement of the awards, where both of the ESRs received trainee awards due to their commendable contributions to the conference.
We are delighted to announce that Mariam has successfully completed her PhD! Her research focused on the complement system, specifically the component C7, which is crucial for the assembly of the membrane attack complex (MAC). While the structure and function of C7 in MAC assembly are well documented, Mariam's work aimed to uncover the non-canonical roles of C7, which are less understood. Mariam's thesis explored several key areas: (1) Extrahepatic Synthesis of C7: Unlike most complement proteins, C7 is primarily synthesized outside the liver, allowing it to regulate local MAC assembly. This unique synthesis pathway suggests that C7 could play distinct roles in different tissues. (2) Association with Disease Pathogenesis: Emerging studies have linked C7 with various diseases, highlighting the need for further investigation into its non-canonical functions. (3) Development of Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) and Immunoassays: A major aim of Mariam's research was to create reliable tools for characterizing C7. She developed monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to native C7, which were then used to establish an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measuring C7 in different matrices. This novel ELISA demonstrated high specificity and no cross-reactivity with similar proteins. (4) Interaction with Clusterin (CLU): Mariam's investigation into the regulatory role of C7 revealed a significant association with the complement inhibitor clusterin (CLU). Her work indicated the presence of a C7-CLU complex in circulation, suggesting that C7 has multifunctional roles beyond its traditional functions in MAC assembly.
Mariam's innovative research has provided new insights into the complex roles of C7 and developed valuable tools for future studies. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and wish her all the best in her scientific career.
