T. M. Woodruff

Innate immune receptor C5aR1 regulates cancer cell fate and can be targeted to improve radiotherapy in tumours with immunosuppressive microenvironments

This study identifies C5aR1 as a targetable receptor on cancer cells that enhances radiotherapy efficacy in immunosuppressive tumours by promoting apoptosis without affecting normal tissues.

The maternal microbiome regulates infant respiratory disease susceptibility via intestinal Flt3L expression and plasmacytoid dendritic cell hematopoiesis

The paper shows that a maternal low-fibre diet disrupts infant immune development, increasing susceptibility to respiratory infections and asthma, and that propionate-producing bacteria can reverse this effect.

SARS-CoV-2 triggers complement activation through interactions with heparan sulfate

This study shows SARS-CoV-2 activates the complement system via heparan sulfate interactions, leading to C5a production and delayed granulocyte/monocyte activation.

Intrinsic bias at non-canonical, β-arrestin-coupled seven transmembrane receptors

The paper identifies two non-canonical GPCRs, D6R and C5aR2, that exclusively couple to β-arrestins and exhibit distinct GRK preferences and downstream signaling.

Targeting C5aR1 Increases the Therapeutic Window of Radiotherapy

This study shows that targeting C5aR1 with PMX205 improves tumor radiation response and reduces normal tissue toxicity in mice.

Glucose clearance and uptake is increased in the SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis through an insulin-independent mechanism

This study shows that SOD1G93A mice exhibit increased glucose uptake and altered glucose homeostasis through an insulin-independent mechanism and impaired glucagon signaling in ALS.

The 'C3aR antagonist' SB290157 is a partial C5aR2 agonist

This paper reveals that SB290157, previously thought to be a C3aR antagonist, acts as a partial agonist at C5aR2 and has mixed effects on C3aR signaling.