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Breiteneder H, Kraft D. The History and Science of the Major Birch Pollen Allergen Bet v 1. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1151. [PMID: 37509186 PMCID: PMC10377203 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The term allergy was coined in 1906 by the Austrian scientist and pediatrician Clemens Freiherr von Pirquet. In 1976, Dietrich Kraft became the head of the Allergy and Immunology Research Group at the Department of General and Experimental Pathology of the University of Vienna. In 1983, Kraft proposed to replace natural extracts used in allergy diagnostic tests and vaccines with recombinant allergen molecules and persuaded Michael Breitenbach to contribute his expertise in molecular cloning as one of the mentors of this project. Thus, the foundation for the Vienna School of Molecular Allergology was laid. With the recruitment of Heimo Breiteneder as a young molecular biology researcher, the work began in earnest, resulting in the publication of the cloning of the first plant allergen Bet v 1 in 1989. Bet v 1 has become the subject of a very large number of basic scientific as well as clinical studies. Bet v 1 is also the founding member of the large Bet v 1-like superfamily of proteins with members-based on the ancient conserved Bet v 1 fold-being present in all three domains of life, i.e., archaea, bacteria and eukaryotes. This suggests that the Bet v 1 fold most likely already existed in the last universal common ancestor. The biological function of this protein was probably related to lipid binding. However, during evolution, a functional diversity within the Bet v 1-like superfamily was established. The superfamily comprises 25 families, one of which is the Bet v 1 family, which in turn is composed of 11 subfamilies. One of these, the PR-10-like subfamily of proteins, contains almost all of the Bet v 1 homologous allergens from pollen and plant foods. Structural and functional comparisons of Bet v 1 and its non-allergenic homologs of the superfamily will pave the way for a deeper understanding of the allergic sensitization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heimo Breiteneder
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dietrich Kraft
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Trettin M, Dvořák J, Hilke M, Wenzler S, Hagen M, Ghirmai N, Stäblein M, Matura S, Huthmacher AC, Kraft D, Balaban C, Ciaramidaro A, Prvulovic D, Knöchel C, Reif A, Oertel V. Neuronal response to high negative affective stimuli in major depressive disorder: An fMRI study. J Affect Disord 2022; 298:239-247. [PMID: 34728281 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.10.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disturbed emotion processing underlies depression. We examined the neuronal underpinnings of emotional processing in patients (PAT) with major depressive disorder (MDD) compared to healthy volunteers (HV) using functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) scan. METHODS Thirty-six MDD patients and 30 HV underwent T2-weighted fMRI assessments during the presentation of an implicit affective processing task in three conditions. They differed regarding their affective quality (=valence, high negative, low negative and neutral stimuli) and regarding the arousal based on stimuli from the International Affective Picture System. RESULTS Group contrasts showed lower left-sided activation in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), anterior PFC, precentral and premotor cortex in PAT compared with HV (Cluster-level threshold, 5000 iterations, p<0.01). We found a significant interaction effect of valence and group, a significant effect of emotional valence and a significant effect of group. All effects were shown in brain regions within the emotional network (Cluster-level threshold, 5000 iterations, p<0.01). Higher arousal (rho=-0.33, p<0.01) and higher valence (rho=-0.33, p<0.01) during high negative stimuli presentation as well as more severe depression (Beck Depression Inventory II [BDI II]; r = 0.39, p = 0.01) were significantly negatively associated with left DLFPC activity in patients. LIMITATIONS Potential influence of psychopharmacological drugs on functional activation is one of the most discussed source of bias in studies with medicated psychiatric patients. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the importance of left DLPFC during the processing of negative emotional stimuli in MDD. The integration of a neurophysiological model of emotional processing in MDD may help to clarify and improve therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Trettin
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe Univ., Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
| | - J Dvořák
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe Univ., Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Brain Imaging Centre, Goethe Univ., Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - M Hilke
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe Univ., Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - S Wenzler
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe Univ., Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Brain Imaging Centre, Goethe Univ., Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - M Hagen
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe Univ., Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - N Ghirmai
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe Univ., Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - M Stäblein
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe Univ., Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - S Matura
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe Univ., Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - A-C Huthmacher
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe Univ., Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - D Kraft
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe Univ., Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - C Balaban
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe Univ., Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - A Ciaramidaro
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Department of Education and Human Sciences
| | - D Prvulovic
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe Univ., Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - C Knöchel
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe Univ., Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - A Reif
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe Univ., Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - V Oertel
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe Univ., Frankfurt/Main, Germany
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dietrich Kraft
- General and Experimental Pathology, Medizinische Universitat Wien, Wien, Austria
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Breiteneder H, Hendler P, Kraft D. Legends of allergy and immunology: Clemens von Pirquet. Allergy 2020; 75:1276-1277. [PMID: 31733114 DOI: 10.1111/all.14115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Heimo Breiteneder
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Petra‐Natascha Hendler
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Dietrich Kraft
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
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Schlette C, Buch AG, Hagelskjær F, Iturrate I, Kraft D, Kramberger A, Lindvig AP, Mathiesen S, Petersen HG, Rasmussen MH, Savarimuthu TR, Sloth C, Sørensen LC, Thulesen TN. Towards robot cell matrices for agile production – SDU Robotics' assembly cell at the WRC 2018. Adv Robot 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/01691864.2019.1686422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Schlette
- SDU Robotics, Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI), University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, Denmark
| | - A. G. Buch
- SDU Robotics, Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI), University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, Denmark
| | - F. Hagelskjær
- SDU Robotics, Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI), University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, Denmark
| | - I. Iturrate
- SDU Robotics, Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI), University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, Denmark
| | - D. Kraft
- SDU Robotics, Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI), University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, Denmark
| | - A. Kramberger
- SDU Robotics, Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI), University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, Denmark
| | - A. P. Lindvig
- SDU Robotics, Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI), University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, Denmark
| | - S. Mathiesen
- SDU Robotics, Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI), University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, Denmark
| | - H. G. Petersen
- SDU Robotics, Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI), University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, Denmark
| | - M. H. Rasmussen
- SDU Mechanical Engineering, Institute for Technology and Innovation (ITI), University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, Denmark
| | - T. R. Savarimuthu
- SDU Robotics, Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI), University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, Denmark
| | - C. Sloth
- SDU Robotics, Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI), University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, Denmark
| | - L. C. Sørensen
- SDU Robotics, Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI), University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, Denmark
| | - T. N. Thulesen
- SDU Robotics, Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI), University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, Denmark
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Teupe B, Gillig E, Kraft D. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and intensive instruction with a rule-set-system program (RSSP) without continuous glucose measuring (CGMS) markedly improves glucose control and quality of life among children with type-1-diabetes (T1D) compared with a multiple injection therapy (MIT) of “good quality”. DIABETOL STOFFWECHS 2018. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1641845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B Teupe
- Diabetes-Dorf Althausen, Praxis Dr. Teupe, Bad Mergentheim, Germany
| | - E Gillig
- Kinderdiabetolog. Praxis, Bad Mergentheim, Germany
| | - D Kraft
- Diabetes-Dorf Althausen, Bad Mergentheim, Germany
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Ostrzinski S, Kraft D, Wolff R, Stübs G, Hoffmann W, Ückert F. Die NAKO-Gesundheitsstudie als Infrastruktur für die epidemiologische Forschung am Beispiel der Integration von Level-3-Projekten. Das Gesundheitswesen 2017. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1605702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S Ostrzinski
- Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, ICM-VC, Greifswald
| | - D Kraft
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg
| | - R Wolff
- Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, ICM-VC, Greifswald
| | - G Stübs
- Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, ICM-VC, Greifswald
| | - W Hoffmann
- Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, ICM-VC, Greifswald
| | - F Ückert
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg
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Kraft D. Self-consistent gradient flow for shape optimization. Optim Methods Softw 2017; 32:790-812. [PMID: 28670104 PMCID: PMC5475376 DOI: 10.1080/10556788.2016.1171864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We present a model for image segmentation and describe a gradient-descent method for level-set based shape optimization. It is commonly known that gradient-descent methods converge slowly due to zig-zag movement. This can also be observed for our problem, especially when sharp edges are present in the image. We interpret this in our specific context to gain a better understanding of the involved difficulties. One way to overcome slow convergence is the use of second-order methods. For our situation, they require derivatives of the potentially noisy image data and are thus undesirable. Hence, we propose a new method that can be interpreted as a self-consistent gradient flow and does not need any derivatives of the image data. It works very well in practice and leads to a far more efficient optimization algorithm. A related idea can also be used to describe the mean-curvature flow of a mean-convex surface. For this, we formulate a mean-curvature Eikonal equation, which allows a numerical propagation of the mean-curvature flow of a surface without explicit time stepping.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Kraft
- Institute of Mathematics, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 3, 8010Graz, Austria
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Lucae S, Schmid‐Grendelmeier P, Wüthrich B, Kraft D, Valenta R, Linhart B. IgE responses to exogenous and endogenous allergens in atopic dermatitis patients under long-term systemic cyclosporine A treatment. Allergy 2016; 71:115-8. [PMID: 26234649 PMCID: PMC4950058 DOI: 10.1111/all.12711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) patients mount IgE antibody responses to a variety of environmental allergens and also to autoantigens. We analyzed serum samples from four AD patients who had received oral cyclosporine A (CyA) treatment for up to 17 months regarding IgE autoreactivity to nitrocellulose-blotted human epithelial cell extracts and IgE levels to environmental allergens by quantitative ImmunoCap measurements. Skin inflammation was assessed by SCORAD. During full-dose treatment, a strong reduction in T-cell-mediated skin symptoms was observed which reappeared when CyA treatment was reduced or stopped. The intensity of IgE autoreactivity seemed to follow skin inflammation as it was reduced during full-dose treatment and increased upon inflammation. Interestingly, IgE levels to exogenous allergens were boosted by allergen exposure, declined thereafter, and seemed to be unaffected by CyA. Our data thus indicate that allergen-specific IgE production is boosted by allergen contact and cannot be reduced by CyA-mediated T-cell suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Lucae
- Division of Immunopathology Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | | | - B. Wüthrich
- Department of Dermatology Allergy Unit University Hospital Zürich Zürich Switzerland
| | - D. Kraft
- Division of Immunopathology Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - R. Valenta
- Division of Immunopathology Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - B. Linhart
- Division of Immunopathology Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
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Kolind K, Kraft D, Bøggild T, Duch M, Lovmand J, Pedersen FS, Bindslev DA, Bünger CE, Foss M, Besenbacher F. Control of proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human dental-pulp-derived stem cells by distinct surface structures. Acta Biomater 2014; 10:641-50. [PMID: 24252446 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2013.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2013] [Revised: 11/09/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The ability to control the behavior of stem cells provides crucial benefits, for example, in tissue engineering and toxicity/drug screening, which utilize the stem cell's capacity to engineer new tissues for regenerative purposes and the testing of new drugs in vitro. Recently, surface topography has been shown to influence stem cell differentiation; however, general trends are often difficult to establish due to differences in length scales, surface chemistries and detailed surface topographies. Here we apply a highly versatile screening approach to analyze the interplay of surface topographical parameters on cell attachment, morphology, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal dental-pulp-derived stem cells (DPSCs) cultured with and without osteogenic differentiation factors in the medium (ODM). Increasing the inter-pillar gap size from 1 to 6 μm for surfaces with small pillar sizes of 1 and 2 μm resulted in decreased proliferation and in more elongated cells with long pseudopodial protrusions. The same alterations of pillar topography, up to an inter-pillar gap size of 4 μm, also resulted in enhanced mineralization of DPSCs cultured without ODM, while no significant trend was observed for DPSCs cultured with ODM. Generally, cells cultured without ODM had a larger deposition of osteogenic markers on structured surfaces relative to the unstructured surfaces than what was found when culturing with ODM. We conclude that the topographical design of biomaterials can be optimized for the regulation of DPSC differentiation and speculate that the inclusion of ODM alters the ability of the cells to sense surface topographical cues. These results are essential in order to transfer the use of this highly proliferative, easily accessible stem cell into the clinic for use in cell therapy and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kolind
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - D Kraft
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - T Bøggild
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - M Duch
- Department of Molecular Biology, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - J Lovmand
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - F S Pedersen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Department of Molecular Biology, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - D A Bindslev
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - C E Bünger
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - M Foss
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - F Besenbacher
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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Willmer M, Szardien S, Kraft D, Voss S, Troidl C, Hoffmann J, Liebetrau C, Nef H, Hamm C, Moellmann H. Extracellular matrix remodeling in early cardiac fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction. Eur Heart J 2013. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/eht309.p4197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Klosterhalfen S, Welsch K, Becker N, Kraft D, Köllner V. Verbesserung des Transfers von Progressiver Relaxation in den Alltag der Patienten nach stationärer psychosomatischer Rehabilitation. REHABILITATION 2013; 52:337-43. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1331228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Klosterhalfen
- MediClin Bliestal Kliniken, Fachklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin, Blieskastel
| | - K. Welsch
- MediClin Bliestal Kliniken, Fachklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin, Blieskastel
| | - N. Becker
- Differentielle Psychologie und psychologische Diagnostik, Universität des Saarlandes, Saarbrücken
| | - D. Kraft
- MediClin Bliestal Kliniken, Fachklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin, Blieskastel
| | - V. Köllner
- MediClin Bliestal Kliniken, Fachklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin, Blieskastel
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(Linder) Jackson J, Kraft D, Edwards K, Williams J, Miller E. Human Rhinovirus Species Vary By Season And Diagnosis In 21-year Prospective Pediatric Cohort. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2011.12.376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Wietzke S, Jansen C, Reuter M, Jung T, Kraft D, Chatterjee S, Fischer B, Koch M. Terahertz spectroscopy on polymers: A review of morphological studies. J Mol Struct 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2011.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Fritsche J, Kraft D, Thissen A, Mayer T, Klein A, Jaegermann W. Interface Engineering of Chalcogenide Semiconductors in Thin Film Solar Cells: CdTe as an Example. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1557/proc-668-h6.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTIn this paper the electronic properties of the different interfaces of CdTe thin film solar cells will be analysed by using a surface science approach. Experimental basis for the experiments is an integrated UHV systems which allows to prepare and analyse real solar cells as well as appropriate model interfaces. Recently obtained data on the ITO surface, the ITO/SnO2/CdS front contact, the CdS/CdTe heterojunction and the CdTe/Te back contact will be presented. In addition, bulk properties as doping and lateral inhomogeneities will be addressed. For all these interfaces experimentally determined band energy diagrams will be given and discussed in relation to solar cell performance. Finally, the sum of the results will be used to propose a modified band energy diagram of the complete CdTe thin film solar cell and its implication for further cell improvement will be presented.
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Kraft D, Späth B, Thißen A, Klein A, Jaegermann W. Chemical and Electronic Properties of Metal/Sb2Te3/CdTe Contacts for CdTe Thin Film Solar Cells Studied by Photoelectron Spectroscopy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1557/proc-763-b3.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
AbstractFormation of low resistance back contacts in CdTe thin film solar cells has been a research issue for many years. Ohmic contacts to the absorber layer are typically prepared using the diffusion of dopant atoms from the back contact material into the CdTe forming a thin space charge layer that can be easily tunnelled. Stable CdTe solar cells with reasonable back contact characteristics have been prepared using metal/Sb2Te3 layer sequences. In this study the chemical and electronic properties of such layer systems have been investigated using photoelectron spectroscopy. The vacuum deposited Sb2Te3 layers do not react with the CdTe substrate. Band alignment does not indicate the formation of a good back contact. By subsequent deposition of metals a chemical reaction is induced forming metal-tellurides, a metal/Sb-alloy and elemental Sb. Although an Sb diffusion into the CdTe absorber is observed, no increase of p-doping in the surface region is evident.
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Twardosz-Kropfmüller A, Singh MB, Niederberger V, Horak F, Kraft D, Spitzauer S, Valenta R, Swoboda I. Association of allergic patients' phenotypes with IgE reactivity to recombinant pollen marker allergens. Allergy 2010; 65:296-303. [PMID: 19839972 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02202.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the last decade allergen molecules from several allergen sources have been produced by recombinant DNA technology. The aim of this study was to investigate whether IgE reactivity to recombinant pollen allergens with broad and narrow cross-reactivity is associated with clinical phenotypes of allergic sensitization. METHODS Serum IgE reactivity to a panel of six recombinant birch and grass pollen allergens was measured by ELISA in pollen sensitized patients from Central Europe to define groups of patients with exclusive IgE reactivity to rBet v 1, with exclusive reactivity to major grass pollen allergens (rPhl p 1, rPhl p 2, rPhl p 5) and with IgE reactivity to cross-reactive pollen allergens (rBet v 2, rPhl p 7). Patients' clinical phenotypes were recorded. IgE responses to tree, grass and weed pollen as well as plant food extracts were evaluated in vitro by CAP-FEIA and clinical sensitivities were confirmed in vivo by skin prick testing. RESULTS IgE reactivity to the recombinant major birch pollen allergen, rBet v 1, was associated with sensitization to pollen from birch, taxonomically related trees and to certain plant-derived food. Reactivity to the recombinant timothy grass pollen allergens, rPhl p 1, rPhl p 2, rPhl p 5, indicated sensitization to pollen from grasses. Patients reacting with the highly cross-reactive allergen rPhl p 7 were polysensitized to pollen from unrelated trees, grasses and weeds and rBet v 2-positive patients were polysensitized to pollen and plant-derived food from unrelated plants. CONCLUSIONS IgE reactivity to recombinant marker allergens is associated with clinical phenotypes of allergic sensitization and may be useful for the selection of treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Twardosz-Kropfmüller
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology, Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Kraft D, Crocker M, Ghazarossian V, Antonio C. Development Of The “MarrowMiner”: A Novel, Minimally Invasive Device Of For The Harvest Of Bone Marrow. From Benchtop, To Animal Studies, Through FDA Approval And Human Evaluation. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2009.12.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Chan C, Kraft D, Ching C, Jill H, Irving W, Longaker M. Identification Of A Clonogenic Osteochondral Skeletal Progenitor Which Forms The Functional Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2009.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Seiberler S, Scheiner O, Kraft D, Valenta R. Homology of Two cDNAs Coding for Birch Pollen Allergens with Calmodulin: Protein-Bound Ca 2+ Affects the IgE-Binding Capacity. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2009; 99:380-381. [DOI: 10.1159/000236290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Valenta R, Duchêne M, Vrtala S, Valent P, Sillaber C, Ferreira F, Tejkl M, Hirschwehr R, Ebner C, Kraft D, Scheiner O. Profilin, a Novel Plant Pan-Allergen. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2009; 99:271-273. [DOI: 10.1159/000236263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Sieder R, Kraft D, Schilling B, Kessler G, Grünes G, Kurz R. Rechnergestützte Blutdruckregelung nach Herzoperationen. BIOMED ENG-BIOMED TE 2009. [DOI: 10.1515/bmte.1988.33.s2.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Kraft D, Crocker M, Ramella O, Ghazarossian V, Carrasco Yalan A. The “Marrowminer”, A Novel, Minimally Invasive Device for the Harvest of Bone Marrow: Results From the Marvelous Trial Demonstrate Safety, Efficacy and Improved Stem Cell Yields Compared to Standard Marrow Harvest Method. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2008.12.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Kraft D, Chan C, Chen CC, Luppen C, Weissman I. Identification and Isolation of the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche Initiating Cell Population. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2008.12.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Niederwieser D, Gastl G, Rumpold H, Marth C, Kraft D, Huber C. Rapid reappearance of large granular lymphocytes (LGL) with concomitant reconstitution of natural killer (NK) activity after human bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Br J Haematol 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.1987.00295.x-i1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Flicker S, Steinberger P, Eibensteiner PB, Lebecque S, Kraft D, Valenta R. Molecular characterization of a human immunoglobulin G4 antibody specific for the major birch pollen allergen, Bet v 1. Clin Exp Allergy 2007; 38:365-73. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2007.02883.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Kraft D, Milroy C, MacKenzie A, Ghazarossian V. 108: Development of a minimally invasive device and method for rapid, outpatient harvest of bone marrow. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2006.12.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
The extremely rare condition of bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation (BPOP) was first described in 1983 by the pathologist Nora, and a few more than 100 cases have since been reported. The lesion is defined as a reactive heterotopic ossification and is mostly found in the hands or feet of adults in the third decade of life, although it has also been described in long bones and in other age groups. A high rate of local recurrence of up to 50 % has been noted, but the lesion is benign and does not metastasise. An association with chromosomal rearrangements has recently been described. We here report the case of a 12-year-old girl with a BPOP at the second metacarpal bone, thus at an unusual age. The lesion was marginally resected after biopsy, but recurred locally within 2 years, resulting in subtotal resection of the second metacarpal bone, autologous fibula grafting and temporary external fixation. The clinical, plain radiographic and MRI appearance of the lesion and the prominent histological findings are described, and the difficulties in establishing the correct diagnosis in cases of BPOP are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Kraft
- Unfallchirurgische Abteilung der Asklepios Klinik Langen
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Aichberger K, Mittermann I, Reininger R, Seiberler S, Swoboda I, Spitzauer S, Kopp T, Stingl G, Sperr W, Valent P, Repa A, Bohle B, Kraft D, Valenta R. Su.123. Hom S 4, An Ige-Reactive Autoantigen Belonging to a Novel Subfamily of Calcium-Binding Proteins Can Induce Th1-Mediated Autoreactivity. Clin Immunol 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2006.04.550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Aichberger KJ, Mittermann I, Reininger R, Seiberler S, Swoboda I, Spitzauer S, Kopp T, Stingl G, Sperr WR, Valent P, Repa A, Bohle B, Kraft D, Valenta R. Hom s 4, an IgE-Reactive Autoantigen Belonging to a New Subfamily of Calcium-Binding Proteins, Can Induce Th Cell Type 1-Mediated Autoreactivity. J Immunol 2005; 175:1286-94. [PMID: 16002733 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.175.2.1286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Skin inflammation in atopic dermatitis starts with Th2 and IgE-mediated responses against exogenous allergens and, for unknown reasons, resembles features of a Th1-driven reaction in the chronic stages. We report the characterization of a human protein, Hom s 4, recognized by IgE autoantibodies from atopic dermatitis patients. The complete Hom s 4 cDNA codes for a 54-kDa basic protein containing two typical calcium-binding domains separated by an unusually long alpha-helical domain. Therefore, Hom s 4 and homologous proteins found by sequence comparison in mice, fruit flies, and nematodes constitute a novel subfamily of calcium-binding proteins. Using Hom s 4-specific Abs, it is demonstrated that the protein is strongly expressed within epidermal keratinocytes and dermal endothelial cells. Purified Hom s 4 showed IgE cross-reactivity with exogenous calcium-binding allergens from plants and fish but, in contrast to the exogenous allergens, induced only weak histamine release from patient basophils. However, the analysis of Hom s 4-specific cytokine and humoral immune responses indicated that Hom s 4 strongly induces Th1 responses which are accompanied by the release of IFN-gamma, a cytokine implicated in epithelial cell damage. Hom s 4-induced IFN-gamma production was found in normal individuals, in patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases and in Th2-prone atopic persons, suggesting that Hom s 4 represents a protein with an intrinsic property to induce Th1-mediated autoreactivity. It may thus contribute to chronic skin inflammation in atopic as well as in nonatopic persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl J Aichberger
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology, Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Vienna General Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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Linhart B, Hartl A, Jahn-Schmid B, Verdino P, Keller W, Krauth MT, Valent P, Horak F, Wiedermann U, Thalhamer J, Ebner C, Kraft D, Valenta R. A hybrid molecule resembling the epitope spectrum of grass pollen for allergy vaccination. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2005; 115:1010-6. [PMID: 15867859 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2004.12.1142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergy vaccines based on natural allergen extracts contain greatly varying amounts of individual allergens with different immunogenicity. OBJECTIVE To develop a novel type of allergy vaccine for complex allergen sources that combines defined amounts of the major allergens in the form of single hybrid molecules. METHODS A hybrid molecule was engineered by PCR-based mending and expression of the cDNAs coding for the 4 major grass pollen allergens and compared with its single components by circular dichroism analysis, T-cell proliferation, ELISA competition, and histamine release assays. Immune responses to the hybrid molecule were studied in BALB/c mice and rat basophil leukemia assays. RESULTS The hybrid contained most of the B-cell epitopes of grass pollen and could be used to diagnose allergy in 98% (n = 652) of patients allergic to grass pollen. Immunization of mice and rabbits with the hybrid induced stronger and earlier IgG antibody responses than equimolar mixtures of the components, which can be explained by the induction of stronger T-cell responses by the hybrid versus the individual components. IgG antibodies induced by vaccination with the hybrid blocked immediate allergic reactions, as demonstrated by rat basophil degranulation assays in a murine model of grass pollen allergy. CONCLUSION We demonstrate for grass pollen allergy that recombinant hybrid molecules covering the spectrum of the disease-eliciting epitopes of complex allergen sources can be engineered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Linhart
- Cenetr of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
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35
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Kraft D, Stingl G, Stockinger H. Obituary for Prof. Walter Knapp (1944–2004). Immunol Lett 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2005.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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36
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Ball T, Edstrom W, Mauch L, Schmitt J, Leistler B, Fiebig H, Sperr WR, Hauswirth AW, Valent P, Kraft D, Almo SC, Valenta R. Gain of structure and IgE epitopes by eukaryotic expression of the major Timothy grass pollen allergen, Phl p 1. FEBS J 2005; 272:217-27. [PMID: 15634345 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.2004.04403.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 400 million allergic patients are sensitized against group 1 grass pollen allergens, a family of highly cross-reactive allergens present in all grass species. We report the eukaryotic expression of the group 1 allergen from Timothy grass, Phl p 1, in baculovirus-infected insect cells. Domain elucidation by limited proteolysis and mass spectrometry of the purified recombinant glycoprotein indicates that the C-terminal 40% of Phl p 1, a major IgE-reactive segment, represents a stable domain. This domain also exhibits a significant sequence identity of 43% with the family of immunoglobulin domain-like group 2/3 grass pollen allergens. Circular dichroism analysis demonstrates that insect cell-expressed rPhl p 1 is a folded species with significant secondary structure. This material is well behaved and is adequate for the growth of crystals that diffract to 2.9 A resolution. The importance of conformational epitopes for IgE recognition of Phl p 1 is demonstrated by the superior IgE recognition of insect-cell expressed Phl p 1 compared to Escherichia coli-expressed Phl p 1. Moreover, insect cell-expressed Phl p 1 induces potent histamine release and leads to strong up-regulation of CD203c in basophils from grass pollen allergic patients. Deglycosylated Phl p 1 frequently exhibits higher IgE binding capacity than the recombinant glycoprotein suggesting that rather the intact protein structure than carbohydrate moieties themselves are important for IgE recognition of Phl p 1. This study emphasizes the important contribution of conformational epitopes for the IgE recognition of respiratory allergens and provides a paradigmatic tool for the structural analysis of the IgE allergen interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Ball
- Department of Pathophysiology, Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
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Focke M, Linhart B, Hartl A, Wiedermann U, Sperr WR, Valent P, Thalhamer J, Kraft D, Valenta R. Non-anaphylactic surface-exposed peptides of the major birch pollen allergen, Bet v 1, for preventive vaccination. Clin Exp Allergy 2004; 34:1525-33. [PMID: 15479266 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2004.02081.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Almost 100 million allergic patients are sensitized to the major birch pollen allergen, Bet v 1, a 17 kDa protein containing most of the IgE epitopes present in pollens of trees belonging to the Fagales order and plant-derived food. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to develop an approach for the rational design of B cell epitope-derived, non-allergenic peptide allergy vaccines. METHODS According to the three-dimensional (3-D) structure of birch pollen allergen, Bet v 1, six peptides comprising 25-32 preferably solvent-exposed amino acids were synthesized. RESULTS Because of lack of secondary structure, the peptides showed no allergenic activity in allergic patients. In a mouse model of birch pollen allergy, peptide vaccination induced Bet v 1-specific IgG and prevented IgE-mediated allergic sensitization to Bet v 1. The protective role of peptide-induced blocking antibodies is demonstrated by inhibition of allergic patients IgE binding to the allergen and by blocking of allergen-induced basophil degranulation. CONCLUSION Our results indicate the mechanistic importance of blocking antibodies for allergy vaccination and present a B cell epitope-based approach for the rational design of safe peptide allergy vaccines whenever the structure of the disease-eliciting allergen is known.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Focke
- Department of Pathophysiology, Vienna General Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
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Pittner G, Vrtala S, Thomas WR, Weghofer M, Kundi M, Horak F, Kraft D, Valenta R. Component-resolved diagnosis of house-dust mite allergy with purified natural and recombinant mite allergens. Clin Exp Allergy 2004; 34:597-603. [PMID: 15080813 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2004.1930.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mites belong to the most frequent and potent allergen sources. Immunotherapy with mite allergen extracts is frequently performed if allergen avoidance is not possible or successful. However, highly controversial results have been reported for mite-specific immunotherapy. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop diagnostic concepts that may contribute to an improved selection of patients for immunotherapy with Der p allergen extracts and that may be used for immunological monitoring of patients undergoing this treatment. METHODS The IgE reactivity profiles to Der p extract were determined in a Middle European mite-allergic population by IgE immunoblotting and by using a panel of seven purified natural or recombinant Der p allergens (nDer p 1, nDer p 4, rDer p 2, rDer p 5, rDer p 7, rDer p 8, rDer p 10). Furthermore, we investigated the sensitization and cross-reactivity to house-dust- and storage-mite allergen extracts by CAP FEIA measurements and by IgE competition studies. RESULTS More than 95% of the patients could be diagnosed with a combination of nDer p 1 and rDer p 2. With the methods used, we could discriminate mite-allergic patients who were mainly sensitized to the major Der p allergens (Der p 1, Der p 2) from patients with a broad sensitization profile, including highly cross-reactive allergens (e.g. Der p 10: tropomyosin) as well as reactivity to storage mites. CONCLUSIONS Diagnostic tests containing the major mite allergens (i.e. Der p 1, Der p 2) and highly cross-reactive mite allergens (e.g. Der p 10) may improve the diagnostic selection of patients for immunotherapy with Der p extracts. These tests may also be used for the immunological monitoring of patients undergoing immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Pittner
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology, Vienna General Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
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Vrtala S, Focke-Tejkl M, Swoboda I, Kraft D, Valenta R. Strategies for converting allergens into hypoallergenic vaccine candidates. Methods 2004; 32:313-20. [PMID: 14962766 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2003.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2003] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Specific immunotherapy is based on the administration of increasing doses of allergens to allergic patients with the aim of inducing a state of antigen-specific unresponsiveness. Specific immunotherapy is one of the few causative treatment approaches for Type I allergy but may cause numerous side effects, including local inflammatory reactions, systemic manifestations (e.g., asthma attacks) and in the worst case, anaphylactic shock which may lead to death. Several attempts have been made in the past to reduce the rate of side effects. They included the chemical modification of allergen extracts to reduce their allergenic activity and the adsorption of allergen extracts to adjuvants to prevent the systemic release of allergens after administration. During the last decade, cDNAs coding for the most relevant allergens have been isolated and the corresponding allergens have been produced as recombinant molecules. Using allergen-encoding cDNAs, the amino acid sequence of allergens or purified recombinant allergens several strategies can now be applied to produce allergen derivatives with reduced allergenic activity for allergy vaccination in a controlled and reproducible manner. Currently, allergen-encoding cDNAs are used to engineer recombinant hypoallergenic allergen derivatives. According to the amino acid sequences and experimental epitope mapping data, synthetic peptides representing T- or B-cell epitopes are produced and purified recombinant allergens are coupled to novel adjuvants for vaccine formulation. In this article, strategies for the production and evaluation of allergen derivatives with reduced allergenic activity for allergy vaccination are described. These new vaccines hold great promise to improve the current practice of allergen-specific immunotherapy and maybe also used for prophylactic vaccination in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Vrtala
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Vienna, Vienna A-1090, Austria
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Valenta R, Ball T, Focke M, Linhart B, Mothes N, Niederberger V, Spitzauer S, Swoboda I, Vrtala S, Westritschnig K, Kraft D. Immunotherapy of allergic disease. Adv Immunol 2004; 82:105-53. [PMID: 14975256 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-2776(04)82003-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R Valenta
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology, University of Vienna, Medical School, Austria
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Mahler V, Vrtala S, Kuss O, Diepgen TL, Suck R, Cromwell O, Fiebig H, Hartl A, Thalhamer J, Schuler G, Kraft D, Valenta R. Vaccines for birch pollen allergy based on genetically engineered hypoallergenic derivatives of the major birch pollen allergen, Bet v 1. Clin Exp Allergy 2004; 34:115-22. [PMID: 14720271 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2004.01857.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have recently engineered recombinant derivatives of the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 (rBet v 1 fragments and trimer) with strongly reduced allergenic activity. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was the in vivo characterization of potential allergy vaccines based on Al(OH)3-adsorbed genetically modified rBet v 1 derivatives in mice. METHODS BALB/c mice were immunized either with courses of nine injections of increasing doses of Al(OH)3-adsorbed rBet v 1 wild-type, rBet v 1 fragments, rBet v 1 trimer or Al(OH)3 alone in weekly intervals or with three high-dose injections applied in intervals of 3 weeks. Humoral immune responses to rBet v 1 wild-type and homologous plant allergens were measured by ELISA and Western blotting, and the ability of mouse antibodies to inhibit the binding of allergic patients IgE to Bet v 1 was studied by ELISA competition experiments. RESULTS In both schemes, hypoallergenic rBet v 1 derivatives induced low IgE but high IgG1 responses against rBet v 1 wild-type. The IgG1 antibodies induced by genetically modified rBet v 1 derivatives cross-reacted with natural Bet v 1 and its homologues from alder (Aln g 1) as well as hazel (Cor a 1) and strongly inhibited the binding of birch pollen allergic patients' IgE to Bet v 1 wild-type. CONCLUSION Genetically modified hypoallergenic rBet v 1 derivatives induce blocking antibodies in vivo. Their safety and efficacy for the treatment of birch pollen and associated plant allergies can now be evaluated in clinical immunotherapy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Mahler
- Department of Dermatology, University of Erlangen, Germany
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Repa A, Grangette C, Daniel C, Hochreiter R, Hoffmann-Sommergruber K, Thalhamer J, Kraft D, Breiteneder H, Mercenier A, Wiedermann U. Mucosal co-application of lactic acid bacteria and allergen induces counter-regulatory immune responses in a murine model of birch pollen allergy. Vaccine 2003; 22:87-95. [PMID: 14604575 DOI: 10.1016/s0264-410x(03)00528-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent epidemiological studies and clinical trials suggest a possible role of certain lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains in the prevention of allergic diseases. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the immunomodulatory potential of two LAB strains, Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus plantarum, for prophylaxis and therapy of allergic immune responses. Both LAB strains-induced high levels of IL-12 and IFN-gamma in naive murine spleen cell cultures. Intranasal co-application with recombinant Bet v 1, the major birch pollen allergen, prior or after allergic sensitization, led to increased levels of allergen-specific IgG2a antibodies and in vitro IFN-gamma production, indicating a shift towards Th1 responses. Successful immunomodulation by the mucosal pre-treatment was further demonstrated by suppression of allergen-induced basophil degranulation. We conclude that these LAB strains in combination with an allergen could be promising candidates for mucosal vaccination against type I allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Repa
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School AKH EBO3Q, University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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Bublin M, Radauer C, Wilson IBH, Kraft D, Scheiner O, Breiteneder H, Hoffmann-Sommergruber K. Cross-reactive N-glycans of Api g 5, a high molecular weight glycoprotein allergen from celery, are required for immunoglobulin E binding and activation of effector cells from allergic patients. FASEB J 2003; 17:1697-9. [PMID: 12958180 DOI: 10.1096/fj.02-0872fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Allergy diagnosis relying on the determination of specific IgE is frequently complicated by the presence of cross-reacting IgE of unclear clinical relevance. Particularly, the anaphylactogenic activity of IgE directed to cross-reactive carbohydrate moieties of glycoproteins from plants and invertebrates has been a matter of debate. In this study, we present the biochemical and immunological characterization of Api g 5, a glycoprotein allergen from celery with homology to FAD containing oxidases. Carbohydrate analysis of the allergen revealed the presence of glycans carrying fucosyl and xylosyl residues, structures previously shown to bind IgE. Chemical deglycosylation of the protein completely abolished binding of serum IgE from all 14 patients tested. Likewise, basophils from a patient allergic to mugwort pollen and celery were stimulated only by native Api g 5, whereas the deglycosylated allergen did not trigger release of histamine. IgE inhibition immunoblots showed that native Api g 5 other than the deglycosylated protein completely inhibited IgE binding to high molecular weight allergens in protein extracts from birch pollen, mugwort pollen, and celery. A similar inhibition was accomplished using the IgE binding oligosaccharide, MUXF, coupled to bovine serum albumin. All these observations taken together confer convincing evidence that IgE directed to cross-reactive carbohydrates is capable of eliciting allergic reactions in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merima Bublin
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Vienna, Austria
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Mothes N, Heinzkill M, Drachenberg KJ, Sperr WR, Krauth MT, Majlesi Y, Semper H, Valent P, Niederberger V, Kraft D, Valenta R. Allergen-specific immunotherapy with a monophosphoryl lipid A-adjuvanted vaccine: reduced seasonally boosted immunoglobulin E production and inhibition of basophil histamine release by therapy-induced blocking antibodies. Clin Exp Allergy 2003; 33:1198-208. [PMID: 12956739 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2222.2003.01699.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergen-specific immunotherapy represents a causal form of treatment for IgE-mediated allergies. The allergen extract-based analyses of immunotherapy-induced effects yielded highly controversial results regarding a beneficial role of therapy-induced IgG antibodies. OBJECTIVE We analysed allergen-specific IgE, IgG subclass, and IgM responses in patients treated with a grass pollen allergy vaccine adjuvanted with monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL), a Th1-inducing agent, and in a placebo group using recombinant timothy grass pollen allergen molecules (rPhl p 1, rPhl p 2, rPhl p 5). RESULTS The strong induction of allergen-specific IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies observed only in the actively treated group was associated with significant clinical improvement. Therapy-induced allergen-specific IgM and IgG2 responses were also noted in several actively treated patients. An inhibition of allergen-dependent basophil histamine release was only obtained with sera containing therapy-induced allergen-specific IgG, but not with sera obtained before therapy or from placebo-treated patients. Moreover, patients with therapy-induced allergen-specific IgG antibodies showed a reduced induction of allergen-specific IgE responses during seasonal grass pollen exposure. CONCLUSION Successful immunotherapy with the MPL-adjuvanted grass pollen allergy vaccine is associated with the production of allergen-specific IgG antibodies. These blocking antibodies may have protective effects by inhibiting immediate-type reactions and systemic increases of IgE responses caused by seasonal allergen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Mothes
- Department of Pathophysiology, Vienna General Hospital, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Hufnagl K, Wagner B, Winkler B, Baier K, Hochreiter R, Thalhamer J, Kraft D, Scheiner O, Breiteneder H, Wiedermann U. Induction of mucosal tolerance with recombinant Hev b 1 and recombinant Hev b 3 for prevention of latex allergy in BALB/c mice. Clin Exp Immunol 2003; 133:170-6. [PMID: 12869021 PMCID: PMC1808768 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2249.2003.02210.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of type I allergy to Hevea brasiliensis latex is particularly high among individuals with frequent exposure to latex products, such as health-care workers (HCW) and patients with spina bifida (SB). Treatment of latex allergy seems problematic as preventive measures, such as allergen avoidance, are not always possible and conventional immunotherapy with standardized latex extracts is not performed routinely. Thus, the aim of the present study was to establish a mouse model of latex allergy using two major latex allergens for HCWs and SB patients, Hev b 1 and Hev b 3, for sensitization. Prophylactic measures on the basis of mucosal tolerance induction with the recombinant allergens were tested in this model. Female BALB/c mice immunized intraperitoneally with recombinant (r)Hev b 1 or rHev b 3 displayed strong immune responses in vivo and in vitro. Intranasal treatment with rHev b 1 and rHev b 3 prior to sensitization led to reduced allergen-specific IgG1/IgE levels and significantly suppressed allergen-induced basophil degranulation. Moreover, lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production (IL-4, IL-5, IFN-gamma) in vitro were significantly suppressed after pretreatment with both allergens. Suppressive cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, remained unchanged after the intranasal pretreatment, indicating mechanism of anergy rather than active immunosuppression. Taken together, these results suggest that mucosal tolerance induction with recombinant allergens could present a promising prevention strategy against latex allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Hufnagl
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Vienna, Austria
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Kraft D. Buchbesprechung: Process Control. Von Pao C. Chau. CHEM-ING-TECH 2003. [DOI: 10.1002/cite.200390161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Kraft D. Buchbesprechung: Process Control. Von Pao C. Chau. CHEM-ING-TECH 2003. [DOI: 10.1002/cite.200390170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Laffer S, Hamdi S, Lupinek C, Sperr WR, Valent P, Verdino P, Keller W, Grote M, Hoffmann-Sommergruber K, Scheiner O, Kraft D, Rideau M, Valenta R. Molecular characterization of recombinant T1, a non-allergenic periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) protein, with sequence similarity to the Bet v 1 plant allergen family. Biochem J 2003; 373:261-9. [PMID: 12656672 PMCID: PMC1223461 DOI: 10.1042/bj20030331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2003] [Accepted: 03/26/2003] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
More than 25% of the population suffer from Type I allergy, an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity disease. Allergens with homology to the major birch ( Betula verrucosa ) pollen allergen, Bet v 1, belong to the most potent elicitors of IgE-mediated allergies. T1, a cytokinin-inducible cytoplasmic periwinkle ( Catharanthus roseus ) protein, with significant sequence similarity to members of the Bet v 1 plant allergen family, was expressed in Escherichia coli. Recombinant T1 (rT1) did not react with IgE antibodies from allergic patients, and failed to induce basophil histamine release and immediate-type skin reactions in Bet v 1-allergic patients. Antibodies raised against purified rT1 could be used for in situ localization of natural T1 by immunogold electron microscopy, but did not cross-react with most of the Bet v 1-related allergens. CD analysis showed significant differences regarding secondary structure and thermal denaturation behaviour between rT1 and recombinant Bet v 1, suggesting that these structural differences are responsible for the different allergenicity of the proteins. T1 represents a non-allergenic member of the Bet v 1 family that may be used to study structural requirements of allergenicity and to engineer hypo-allergenic plants by replacing Bet v 1-related allergens for primary prevention of allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Laffer
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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Barouky R, Badet F, Kraft D, Berger F, Vital Durand D, Rousset H. Cholangite sclérosante primitive atypiqueavec pancréatite. Rev Med Interne 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s0248-8663(03)80291-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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