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 (of > 239 original publications)
Ahrenstorf G, Low HZ, Kniesch K, Ordonez D, Meyer-Olson D, Ahmad F, Kücherer C, Gunsenheimer- Bartmeyer B, Stoll M, Matthias T, Schmidt RE, Witte T. LILRA3 deletion is a genetic risk factor of HIV infection. AIDS. 2017; 31:25-34.
Baerlecken NT, Nothdorft S, Stummvoll GH, Sieper J, Rudwaleit M, Reuter S, Matthias T, Schmidt RE, Witte T. Autoantibodies against CD74 in spondyloarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2014; 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. Association of ferritin autoantibodies with giant cell arteritis/polymyalgia rheumatica. Ann Rheum Dis. 2012; 71:943-7.
Kabalak G, Dobberstein SB, Matthias T, Reuter S, The YH, Dörner T, Schmidt RE, Witte T. Association of immunoglobulin-like transcript 6 deficiency with Sjögren’s syndrome. Arthritis Rheum. 2009; 60:2923-5.
Kümpers P, David S, Haubitz M, Hellpap J, Horn R, Bröcker V, Schiffer M, Haller H, Witte T. The Tie2 receptor antagonist angiopoietin 2 facilitates vascular inflammation in systemic lupus erythematosus. Ann Rheum Dis. 2009; 68:1638-43.
Werwitzke S, Trick D, Sondermann P, Kamino K, Schlegelberger B, Kniesch K, Tiede A, Jacob U, Schmidt RE, Witte T. Treatment of lupus-prone NZB/NZW F1 mice with recombinant soluble Fc gamma receptor II (CD32). Ann Rheum Dis. 2008; 67:154-61.
Momot T, Ahmadi-Simab K, Gause A, Gross WL, Gromnica-Ihle E, Peter HH, Manger K, Zeidler H, Schmidt RE, Witte T. Lack of association of mannose binding lectin variant alleles with systemic lupus erythematosus. Ann Rheum Dis. 2006; 65:278-9.
Werwitzke S, Trick D, Kamino K, Matthias T, Kniesch K, Schlegelberger B, Schmidt RE, Witte T. Inhibition of lupus disease by anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies of the IgM isotype in the (NZB x NZW)F1 mouse. Arthritis Rheum. 2005; 52:3629-38.
Momot T, Koch S, Hunzelmann N, Krieg T, Ulbricht K, Schmidt RE, Witte T. Association of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors with scleroderma. Arthritis Rheum. 2004; 50:1561-5.
de Seze J, Dubucquoi S, Fauchais AL, Matthias T, Devos D, Castelnovo G, Stojkovic T, Ferriby D, Hachulla E, Labauge P, Lefranc D, Hatron PY, Vermersch P, Witte T. Alpha-fodrin autoantibodies in the differential diagnosis of MS and Sjögren syndrome. Neurology. 2003; 61:268-9.
