Self-assembly of Clicked Star-Shaped Triazines into Functional Nanostructures

Two non‐amphiphilic star‐shaped 2,4,6‐tris(1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)‐1,3,5‐triazines showing different behavior in terms of self‐assembly and luminescent properties are described. They aggregate in the liquid phase to form low‐dimensional nanostructures with a variety of morphologies, such as spherical particles, one‐hole hollow spheres, toroids, twisted fibers or helical nanotubes, just by varying the conditions of a straightforward reprecipitation method. Aggregation has an opposite effect concerning the fluorescent properties of the proposed compounds, either causing the enhancement or the quenching of the emission after the self‐assembly. Quantum chemical calculations have been also performed…

Cross-reactivity of a pathogenic autoantibody to a tumor antigen in GABA(A) receptor encephalitis

Encephalitis associated with antibodies against the neuronal gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor (GABA A -R) is a rare form of autoimmune encephalitis. The pathogenesis is still unknown but autoimmune mechanisms were surmised. Here we identified a strongly expanded B cell clone in the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient with GABA A -R encephalitis. We expressed the antibody produced by it and showed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry that it recognizes the GABA A -R. Patch-clamp recordings revealed that it tones down inhibitory synaptic transmission and causes increased excitability of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. Thus, the antibody likely contributed to…

Cover Feature: Self-Assembly of Clicked Star-Shaped Triazines into Functional Nanostructures (ChemNanoMat 1/2019)

Intrathecal somatic hypermutation of IgM in multiple sclerosis and neuroinflammation

Intrathecal oligoclonal bands of the cerebrospinal fluid are considered the most important immunological biomarkers of multiple sclerosis. They typically consist of clonally expanded IgG antibodies that underwent affinity maturation during sustained stimulation by largely unknown antigens. In addition, ∼40% of patients with multiple sclerosis have oligoclonal bands that consist of expanded IgM antibodies. We investigated the molecular composition of IgM- and IgG-chains from cerebrospinal fluid of 12 patients with multiple sclerosis, seven patients with other neurological diseases, and eight healthy control subjects by high-throughput deep-sequencing and single-cell PCR. Further, we studied …