We used single-cell RNA-seq to assess the transcriptome and immunoglobulin heavy- and light-chain repertoires of cerebrospinal fluid B cells in MS. Patients carrying the G1m1 allotype displayed a stereotyped B-cell response utilizing the IGHV4 and IGKV1 gene families. This may indicate that the B cells are targeting similar epitopes across different patients.

Little is known about polyclonal T-cell populations’ TCR-ligand avidity and how it relates to functionality. We assess TCR-ligand k_off-rates ex vivo and establish a positive correlation with functional parameters. Defined polyclonal populations from monoclonal T cells reveal predictability of global k_off-rates, informing the design of T-cell products.

Properdin binds to various necrotic cells as well as viable macrophages (mph), which seems a prerequisite for alternative pathway (AP) activation at the surface of these cells. Various factors, including the tick protein Salp20, (unknown) serum components and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are able to prevent properdin binding to these cell surfaces.

Clinical efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin treatment (IVIg) is related to its pharmacokinetic profile, which cannot easily be monitored specifically. We developed assays to specifically monitor the pharmacokinetics of IVIg using polymorphic determinants of IgG1, which allows discrimination between endogenous IgG and therapeutic polyclonal IgG.

We show a peptide can be modified using non-natural amino acids to anchor into the HLA-E binding groove whilst maintaining native interactions with TCR. This enables the generation of stabilised peptide-HLA-E complexes that can be used to isolate and study natural HLA-E-restricted T cells in human disease.

Soluble CD137 (sCD137) regulates T-cell functions, which are disturbed in HCV infection. Serum levels of sCD137 are similar in healthy controls, HCV-infected patients, patients with sustained virological response (SVR) after therapy with direct-acting antivirals and patients with alcohol abuse. sCD137 is induced in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Neither TLR4-expressing dendritic cells nor cell lines become activated by SARS-CoV-2. Notably, ectopic expression of ACE2 on dendritic cells leads to infection by SARS-CoV-2 and immune activation. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 triggers intracellular but not extracellular pattern recognition receptors, suggesting that immune responses are initiated upon direct infection or due to bystander inflammatory processes.

B cell modulation with anti-CD79b has multiple downstream effects including less cerebral leukocyte infiltration, changed cytokine release, lower MOG-specific antibodies and lower MOG-specific T cell proliferation. All of these effects contribute to amelioration of experimental autoimmune encephalitis.

Changes of BCR in systemic lupus erythematosus patients in response to immunosuppressive drugs were identified in ten SLE patients. Overall changes, including isotype usage, variable region analysis, clonality,class-switching, etc. might help to estimate the patient's response to immunosuppressants and to manage disease.