Martin Witzenrath

Overventilation-induced airspace acidification increases susceptibility to Pseudomonas pneumonia

This study shows that high tidal volume ventilation acidifies alveolar lining fluid, increasing susceptibility to Pseudomonas pneumonia by reducing NHE1 expression.

Neutrophil-chemoattractant CXCL5 induces lung barrier permeability in acute lung injury

This study identifies CXCL5 as a factor that increases alveolar-epithelial barrier permeability in acute lung injury, independent of neutrophil recruitment.

Cell surface RNA expression modulates alveolar epithelial function

This study identifies glycoRNA as a novel component of the alveolar epithelial glycocalyx and shows its role in barrier regulation and viral infection.

Phage-phage competition and biofilms reduce the efficacy of a combination of two virulent bacteriophages against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

This study investigates how phage-phage competition and biofilm formation affect the efficacy of a two-phage combination against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro.

Pneumonia induced rise in glucagon promotes endothelial damage and vascular thrombogenicity

This study shows that pneumonia increases glucagon levels, which damages endothelial cells and promotes blood clotting, leading to cardiovascular issues.

IGF1R is protective in pneumococcal pneumonia

This study shows that IGF1R deficiency worsens pneumococcal pneumonia in mice, with increased lung damage and bacterial load, suggesting IGF1R has a protective role.

Enzymatic modulation of the pulmonary glycocalyx alters susceptibility to Streptococcus pneumoniae

This study shows that enzymatic degradation of hyaluronan and heparan sulfate in the lung worsens Streptococcus pneumoniae infection by increasing inflammation, bacterial burden, and barrier disruption in mice and human models.

Spatial expression of an mRNA encoding Tie2-agonist in the capillary endothelium of the lung prevents pulmonary vascular leakage

This study evaluates a synthetic mRNA encoding a hyperactive Ang1 fusion protein to prevent pulmonary vascular leakage in lung injury models.

Insights into standards of care: dexamethasone and antibodies against COVID-19 in hamster models

The paper evaluates dexamethasone and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in hamster models, showing reduced viral burden with antibodies and anti-inflammatory effects with dexamethasone, with synergistic benefits when combined.