Prof. Dr. Torsten Witte participates in RESIST research projects A2 and B2.
| My Research Interest in RESIST |
My research focus in RESIST is the identification of the role of the gut microbiota in the induction of reactive arthritis, a chronic rheumatological disorder from the group of spondyloarthritis. The longterm aim is the identification of new targets for treatments, that may be more efficacious and more tolerable than the current drugs directed at the blockade of various cytokines.
In my previous work, I have identified autoantibodies in this disorder that activate the immune system to produce pathogenic cytokines, but also crossreact with microbial antigens. In the collaboration in RESIST with Till Strowig and Alice McHardy, we will identify further microbiota that induce pathogenic autoantibody responses in reactive arthritis and possibly other subtypes of SpA and RA. These discoveries may lead to therapeutic strategies pointing at the normalization of the gut microbiota rather than on immunosuppression.
Prof. Witte about his scientific work
Prof. Dr. Torsten Witte – Curriculum Vitae
Current Position
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Training
Academic and Research Posts
Other Scientific Roles
Awards and Prizes
10 Selected Publications
Dreher M, Witte T, …Schwarting A (2024). Rheuma-VOR study: optimising healthcare of rheumatic diseases by multiprofessional coordinating centres. Ann Rheum Dis. 83:184-193.
Sogkas G, Witte T (2023. The link between rheumatic disorders and inborn errors of immunity. EBioMedicine ;90:104501.
Amend L, …, Witte T, .., Strowig T (2023). Characterization of serum biomarkers and antibody responses against Prevotella spp. in preclinical and new-onset phase of rheumatic diseases. Front Cell Infect Microbiol.12:1096211.
Adriawan IR, …, Witte T, Sogkas G (2022). Novel aspects of regulatory T cell dysfunction as a therapeutic target in giant cell arteritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 81:124-131.
Graalmann T,.., Witte T, Kalinke U (2021). B cell depletion impairs vaccination-induced CD8+ T cell responses in a type I interferon-dependent manner. Ann Rheum Dis 80:1537-44.
Riechers E, …, Witte T. (2019) Sensitivity and Specificity of Autoantibodies Against CD74 in Nonradiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol. 71:729-735.
Baerlecken NT, Nothdorft S, Stummvoll GH, Sieper J, Rudwaleit M, Reuter S, Matthias T, Schmidt RE, Witte T. (2014) Autoantibodies against CD74 in spondyloarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 73:1211-4.
Baerlecken NT, Linnemann A, Gross WL, Moosig F, Vazquez-Rodriguez TR, Gonzalez-Gay MA, Martin J, Kötter I, Henes JC, Melchers I, Vaith P, Schmidt RE, Witte T. (2012) Association of ferritin autoantibodies with giant cell arteritis/polymyalgia rheumatica. Ann Rheum Dis. 71:943-7.
Kümpers P, David S, Haubitz M, Hellpap J, Horn R, Bröcker V, Schiffer M, Haller H, Witte T. (2009) The Tie2 receptor antagonist angiopoietin 2 facilitates vascular inflammation in systemic lupus erythematosus. Ann Rheum Dis. 68:1638-43.
Werwitzke S, Trick D, Sondermann P, Kamino K, Schlegelberger B, Kniesch K, Tiede A, Jacob U, Schmidt RE, Witte T. (2008) Treatment of lupus-prone NZB/NZW F1 mice with recombinant soluble Fc gamma receptor II (CD32). Ann Rheum Dis. 67:154-61.
