Functional Biomarkers for respiratory infections
About this project
We are focusing on pulmonary infections, especially influenza, COVID-19, community-acquired pneumonia, and tuberculosis (TB), as there is a great need for improved diagnosis, patient stratification, and treatment. Our studies on TB have been possible through a collaboration with the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz in Rio de Janeiro. One focus of biomarker profiling is on RNA biomarkersbecause of their multifaceted regulatory functions. Metabolites constitute the other mainstay as they represent both beginning and end of many important biological regulatory circuits. The endogenous isomers itaconic, mesaconic and citraconic acid have potent immunomodulatory, cytoprotective, and antiviral properties. In a collaboration with the Dept. of Structural Biology of the HZI solved the crystal structure of the enzyme responsible for itaconic acid synthesis, cis-aconitate decarboxylase (ACOD1; Irg1). We are currently assessing these three isomers and related molecules as adjunct treatments for severe viral infections and are evaluating inhibitors of ACOD1 as interventions to counteract immune exhaustion in viral and bacterial infections.
Funding
Helmholtz Association; Pre4D Fund (2022-2023)
AMPRO – Aging and Metabolic Programming (2018-2021)
BMBF; COVID-Protect (coordinator) (2020-2022)
iMed, the Helmholtz Association‘s Cross Programme Inititiative on Personalised Medicine (2014-2020)