Thomas Zillinger

Bio: Thomas Zillinger is an academic researcher from University of Marburg. The author has contributed to research in topics: Population & Pattern recognition receptor. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 6 publications receiving 68 citations. Previous affiliations of Thomas Zillinger include University Hospital Bonn & Rutgers University.

Compositions and methods for altering second messenger signaling

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, methods, kits, and assays related to the use and/or exploitation of isomers of cGAMP as well as the structure of the enzyme cGAS.

Recessive NLRC4-Autoinflammatory Disease Reveals an Ulcerative Colitis Locus

Abstract: NLRC4-associated autoinflammatory disease (NLRC4-AID) is an autosomal dominant condition presenting with a range of clinical manifestations which can include macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) and severe enterocolitis. We now report the first homozygous mutation in NLRC4 (c.478G > A, p.A160T) causing autoinflammatory disease with immune dysregulation and find that heterozygous carriers in the general population are at increased risk of developing ulcerative colitis. Circulating immune cells and inflammatory markers were profiled and historical clinical data interrogated. DNA was extracted and sequenced using standard procedures. Inflammasome activation assays for ASC speck formation, pyroptosis, and IL-1β/IL-18 secretion confirmed pathogenicity of the mutation in vitro. Genome-wide association of NLRC4 (A160T) with ulcerative colitis was examined using data from the IBD exomes portal. A 60-year-old Brazilian female patient was evaluated for recurrent episodes of systemic inflammation from six months of age. Episodes were characterized by recurrent low-grade fever, chills, oral ulceration, uveitis, arthralgia, and abdominal pain, followed by diarrhea with mucus and variable skin rash. High doses of corticosteroids were somewhat effective in controlling disease and anti-IL-1β therapy partially controlled symptoms. While on treatment, serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels remained elevated. Genetic investigations identified a homozygous mutation in NLRC4 (A160T), inherited in a recessive fashion. Increased ASC speck formation and IL-1β/IL-18 secretion confirmed pathogenicity when NLRC4 (A160T) was analyzed in human cell lines. This allele is significantly enriched in patients with ulcerative colitis: OR 2.546 (95% 1.778–3.644), P = 0.01305. NLRC4 (A160T) can either cause recessively inherited autoinflammation and immune dysregulation, or function as a heterozygous risk factor for the development of ulcerative colitis.

An epigenetic GPI anchor defect impairs TLR4 signaling in the B cell transdifferentiation model for primary human monocytes BLaER1

Abstract: Antigen-presenting myeloid cells like monocytes detect invading pathogens via pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and initiate adaptive and innate immune responses. As analysis of PRR signaling in primary human monocytes is hampered by their restricted expandability, human monocyte models like THP-1 cells are commonly used for loss-of-function studies, such as with CRISPR-Cas9 editing. A recently developed transdifferentiation cell culture system, BLaER1, enables lineage conversion from malignant B cells to monocytes and was found superior to THP-1 in mimicking PRR signaling, thus being the first model allowing TLR4 and inflammasome pathway analysis. Here, we identified an important caveat when investigating TLR4-driven signaling in BLaER1 cells. We show that this model contains glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor-deficient cells, which lack CD14 surface expression when differentiated to monocytes, resulting in diminished LPS/TLR4 but not TLR7/TLR8 responsiveness. This GPI anchor defect is caused by epigenetic silencing of PIGH, leading to a random distribution of intact and PIGH-deficient clones after single-cell cloning. Overexpressing PIGH restored GPI-anchored protein (including CD14) expression and LPS responsiveness. When studying CD14- or other GPI-anchored protein-dependent pathways, researchers should consider this anomaly and ensure equal GPI-anchored protein expression when comparing cells that have undergone single-cell cloning, e. g. after CRISPR-Cas9 editing.

Cristaux sting et modulateurs associés

Abstract: La presente invention concerne des cristaux STING (stimulateurs des genes d'interferon). La presente invention concerne egalement des modulateurs STING qui interagissent avec des sites presents dans de tels cristaux et/ou definis par ces derniers. La presente invention concerne encore des procedes de fabrication et d'utilisation de tels cristaux et modulateurs. D'autres aspects et/ou caracteristiques de la presente invention sont decrits dans la description.

Compositions and methods for activating "stimulator of interferon gene"-dependent signalling

Abstract: The present invention provides highly active cyclic-di-nucleotide (CDN) immune stimulators that activate DCs via a recently discovered cytoplasmic receptor known as STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes). In particular, the CDNs of the present invention are provided in the form of a composition comprising one or more cyclic purine dinucleotides induce STING-dependent type I interferon production, wherein the cyclic purine dinuclotides present in the composition are substantially pure 2', 5', 2', 5' and 2', 5 ',3 ',5' CDNs, and prefereably Rp,Rp stereosiomers thereof.

Cyclic di-nucleotide compounds as sting agonists

Abstract: A class of polycyclic compounds of general formula (II), of general formula (II'), or of general formula (II"), wherein Base 1 , Base 2 , Y, Y a , X a , X a1 , X b , X b1 , X c , X c1 , X d , X d1 , R 1 , R 1a , R 2 , R 2a , R 3a , R 4 , R 4a , R 5 , R 6 , R 6a , R 7 , R 7a , R 8 , and R 8a are defined herein, that may be useful as inductors of type I interferon production, specifically as STING active agents, are provided. Also provided are processes for the synthesis and use of compounds.

Compositions comprising cyclic purine dinucleotides having defined stereochemistries and methods for their preparation and use

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide novel and highly active cyclic-di-nucleotide (CDN) immune stimulators that activates DCs via a recently discovered cytoplasmic receptor known as STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes). In particular, the CDNs of the present invention are provided in the form of a composition comprising one or more cyclic purine dinucleotides that induce STING-dependent TBK1 activation, wherein the cyclic purine dinuclotides present in the composition are substantially pure Rp,Rp or Rp,Sp stereoisomers, and particularly substantially pure Rp,Rp, or RpSp CDN thiophosphate diastereomers.

Cyclic di-nucleotide induction of type i interferon

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for increasing the production of a type I interferon (IFN) in a cell Aspects of the methods include increasing the level of a 2'-5' phosphodiester linkage comprising cyclic-di-nucleotide in a cell in a manner sufficient to increase production of the type I interferon (IFN) by the cell Also provided are compositions and kits for practicing the embodiments of the methods

Compositions and methods for inhibiting "stimulator of interferon gene" -dependent signalling

Abstract: The present invention provides cyclic-di-nucleotide (CDN) compounds that inhibit signaling at a recently discovered cytoplasmic receptor known as STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes). In particular, the CDNs of the present invention are provided in the form of a composition comprising one or more cyclic purine dinucleotides which inhibit STING-dependent TBK1 activation and the resulting production of type I interferon.