Utilizing Circadian Rhythms in Neutrophils

This year, the pharmaceutical company CSL Behring awarded research prizes for the third time to emerging clinicians and scientists dedicated to studying the rare disease Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATM). These "Alpha1 Science Awards" aim to foster innovations that improve the lives of Alpha-1 patients. Submissions from researchers in Germany and Austria were evaluated by five internationally renowned Alpha-1 experts, and the selected projects were each awarded EUR 5,000.

Julia Held, a doctoral student in the research group of Prof. Dr. Sabina Janciauskiene at the DZL site BREATH in Hanover, was awarded an Alpha1 Science Award 2024 for the best basic scientific work. The award ceremony took place on March 21, 2024, during CSL Behring's scientific symposium at the Congress of the German Society for Pneumology (DGP) in Mannheim.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: Enhancing Therapeutic Potential

In her work published in the journal Vascular Pharmacology, Julia Held investigated the circadian rhythm by which neutrophils perform their functions and tasks. For instance, gene expression was dependent on the time of blood collection, as were migration and phagocytosis activities. The effectiveness of medications can also be influenced by circadian activity. Alpha-1 antitrypsin introduces an exciting new player into this field. The only specific treatment for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is augmentation with human Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor. Ex-vivo data showed a connection between the circadian clock of blood neutrophils and their effect on Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Even a very short application of AAT, at 30-minute intervals, can improve the properties of blood neutrophils and thus enhance the potential of AAT therapy. For Julia Held and Sabina Janciauskiene, these findings are just the beginning of further research in this area.

Original publication:
J. Held, K. Sivaraman, S. Wrenger, W. Si, T. Welte, S. Immenschuh, S. Janciauskiene; Ex vivo study on the human blood neutrophil circadian features and effects of alpha1-antitrypsin and lipopolysaccharide; Vascular Pharmacology; Vol.156; Sept 2024

Direct link to publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vph.2024.107396  
 

Text: BREATH/AZ / Beate Fessler

Photo: Julia Held