B. W. Bardoel

Inhibition of cleavage of human complement component C5 and the R885H C5 variant by two distinct high affinity anti-C5 nanobodies

This study identifies and characterizes two high-affinity anti-C5 nanobodies that inhibit C5 cleavage and recognize distinct epitopes, including a variant not targeted by Eculizumab.

Colistin resistance mutations in phoQ sensitize Klebsiella pneumoniae to IgM-mediated complement killing

This study shows that colistin resistance mutations in K. pneumoniae increase sensitivity to IgM-mediated complement killing via PhoQ activation.

Polyfunctional pathogen-specific CD4+ T cells reside in the lungs and tumors of NSCLC patients

The paper identifies polyfunctional pathogen-specific CD4+ T cells in lung and NSCLC tumor tissues, highlighting their potential for vaccine design and anti-tumor immunity.

Soluble MAC is primarily released from MAC-resistant bacteria that potently convert complement component C5

The paper investigates how soluble MAC (sMAC) is formed during bacterial infections, finding that MAC-resistant bacteria convert C5 into C5b more efficiently and release sMAC, which can lyse bystander erythrocytes.

Polymerization of C9 enhances bacterial cell envelope damage and killing by membrane attack complex pores

This study shows that C9 polymerization enhances MAC pore-mediated bacterial killing and is impaired in complement-resistant strains.

Outer membrane permeabilization by the membrane attack complex sensitizes Gram-negative bacteria to antimicrobial proteins in serum and phagocytes

This study shows how MAC pores in Gram-negative bacteria's outer membrane make them more susceptible to immune system components like lysozyme and phospholipases, enhancing bacterial clearance.

Bacterial killing by complement requires direct anchoring of Membrane Attack Complex precursor C5b-7

This study shows that direct anchoring of C5b-7 is essential for MAC pore formation and bacterial killing, and bacteria can evade this by interfering with anchoring.