Ein neuer Beitrag zur Flechten-Flora Australiens

Volume: 30Start Page: 329End Page: 34

Aufz\ue4hlung und Beschreibung der Flechtenarten, welche Dr. Heinrich Wawra Ritter von Fernsee von zwei Reisen um die Erde mitbracht

Volume: 26Start Page: 433End Page: 44

Loss of the F-actin binding and vesicle-associated protein comitin leads to a phagocytosis defect

Comitin is an F-actin binding and membrane-associated protein from Dictyostelium discoideum, which is present on Golgi and vesicle membranes and changes its localization in response to agents affecting the cytoskeleton. To investigate its in vivo functions we have generated knockout mutants by gene replacement. Based on comitin's in vitro functions we examined properties related to vesicular transport and microfilament function. Whereas cell growth, pinocytosis, secretion, chemotaxis, motility, and development were unaltered, comitin- lacking cells were impaired in the early steps of phagocytosis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae particles and of Escherichia coli, whereas uptake of latex beads was unaffected. Furthermore, the lack of comitin positively affected survival of pathogenic bacteria. Mutant cells also showed an altered response to hyperosmotic shock in comparison to the wild type. The redistribution of comitin during hyperosmotic shock in wild- type cells and its presence on early phagosomes suggest a direct involvement of comitin in these processes

Safety and immunogenicity of modified vaccinia Ankara as a smallpox vaccine in people with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Following vaccination with traditional smallpox vaccines or after exposure to vaccinated individuals, subjects with atopic dermatitis (AD) can develop eczema vaccinatum, a severe disease with disseminated eruption of pustular contagious lesions. Alternative smallpox vaccines with an improved safety profile would address this unmet medical need. METHODS: An open-label controlled Phase I clinical trial was conducted to investigate the safety and immunogenicity of modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) in 15 healthy subjects compared to 45 subjects with either mild allergic rhinitis, a history of AD or presenting with mild active AD. MVA was given (Week 0 and 4) by a subcutaneous injection during a 28-week observation period. RESULTS: No serious adverse event was reported and vaccinations with MVA did not lead to any clinically relevant skin reactions in AD subjects. Unsolicited administration site reactions did not show any trends compared to the healthy subject group. The majority of adverse reactions were mild to moderate, and all reactions were transient and resolved without intervention. The majority of vaccinees had seroconverted by ELISA (80-93%) and PRNT (69-79%) already two weeks after the first vaccination, increasing to 100% after the second immunization, with peak GMT above 1000 and 145 for ELISA and PRNT, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MVA was equally well tolerated and immunogenic in all enrolled subjects with mild to moderate pain and redness at the injection site being the most frequent adverse reactions. There were no differences in the safety or immunogenicity profile of MVA in healthy subjects or those with AD or allergic rhinitis. The study has confirmed MVA as a promising smallpox vaccine candidate and demonstrated in a small study population that the vaccine has a similar safety and immunogenicity profile in healthy subjects and people with active AD. Clinical trials registration: NCT00189917