Fungal infections: hope for alternative treatment options
Aspergillus fumigatus is common Mushroomwho in man life-threatening infections may cause. Thousands of people fall victim to it every year. The researchers are now reporting the results of the study and hope to have more treatment options Manufacture.
According Message The fungus Aspergillus fumigatus causes serious infections in more than 300,000 people worldwide each year. Infection with this fungus is fatal in up to 50% of cases, especially in immunocompromised people. Researchers from the University Hospital of Würzburg have now published in the journal “Science Translational MedicinePublished study results that provide hope for newly developed alternative treatment options for fungal infections.
Possible fatal infections
As in a stream Message from the University Hospital of Würzburg (UKW), we breathe in the spores of Aspergillus fumigatus almost every day and all over the world. This mold is relatively harmless with a good immune system.
In people whose immune system is severely weakened, for example after chemotherapy or a bone marrow transplant, Aspergillus fumigatus can cause serious, often fatal infections.
Aspergillus fumigatus may also be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection or influenza lung function affect.
Strengthen the action of the immune system
At the University Hospital of Würzburg, researchers at the Medical Clinic II have genetically modified certain immune cells, called T cells, for the first time immune defense better activated and more effectively protected against this type of mould.
These reprogrammed T cells carry “chimeric antigen receptors” (CAR) on their surface. Thanks to these biosensors, T lymphocytes can better recognize the specific structure of the mold and by releasing certain endogenous substances messenger substances destroy.
the T cells with Aspergillus fumigatus-specific CARs (Af-CARs) act not only directly against the fungus, but also indirectly:
“In our preclinical laboratory models, we have observed that the T Af-CAR cells are able to access the site of fungal infection and control the recruitment and activation of additional cells of the body’s immune system”says Dr. Michelle Seif.
“In particular, Af-CAR T cells activate macrophages and thus enhance the effect of immune system against mould”according to the first author of the study.
Big potential
“Our study shows that great potential genetically engineered T cells to treat aggressive infectious diseases that are difficult to control with conventional antimicrobial therapies”explains Prof. Dr. Jürgen Löffler, head of the Löffler group, which studies aspergillosis, the technical term for mold infection, at the University Hospital of Würzburg.
“It forms the basis for future T-cell therapy for the treatment of fungal infections and many others. Infectious diseases.”
Study results encouraged the Würzburg research team to implement and evaluate Af-CAR T-cell therapy for the treatment of infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in early clinical studies.
“We are currently developing other concepts to make the Aspergillus CAR T cell product scalable and for the clinical use to prepare”, explains Loeffler. (ad)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of the specialized medical literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been verified by health professionals.
Sources:
University Hospital Würzburg: New immunotherapy for fungal infections of the lungs, (Accessed: October 11, 2022), Würzburg University Hospital
Michelle Seif et al. : CAR T cells targeting Aspergillus fumigatus are effective in treating invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in preclinical models; in: Science Translational Medicine, (published on: 09/28/2022), Science Translational Medicine
Important Note: This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It cannot substitute a visit to the doctor.
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