Dr. Christine Wolf, Research Associate in Prof. Lee-Kirsch's working group at the Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, was awarded the prestigious Dr. Holger Müller Prize 2023. This recognition honors her work on research into a rare form of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a serious autoimmune disease.
The focus of Dr. Wolf's study is on deciphering the genetic basis of this particular form of SLE. In her publication entitled "UNC93B1 variants underlie TLR7-dependent autoimmunity"(https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciimmunol.adi9769), she and her research team investigated the causes of the occurrence of SLE in young children, an extremely unusual disease in this age group. The current therapy consists of suppressing the immune system; there is no therapy in a targeted manner.
Through a thorough analysis of the genetic material, they identified a mutation in the UNC93B1 gene in all affected family members. This mutation leads to incorrect activation of a specific immune receptor that is normally responsible for recognizing viral structures and defending against infections. Due to the incorrect activation, the body's own cells are mistakenly recognized as foreign and attacked, which leads to the development of autoimmunity. This can lead to inflammation and damage in various organs. Lupus causes symptoms such as skin rashes, joint pain, fatigue and can be life-threatening. The exact causes are not fully known, but genetic and environmental factors play a role. The findings of the study open up new perspectives for the development of therapies in a targeted manner that could inhibit the uncontrolled activity of this immune receptor.
Prof. Esther Troost, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at TU Dresden, commented on the award as follows: "This work exemplifies the excellence that can be achieved in our university medicine. This award not only recognizes individual achievement, but also the continuous progress and excellence that we strive for."
Dr. Wolf's work is a significant step towards a better understanding and targeted treatment of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Her research has the potential to help not only patients with rare but also common forms of lupus.
The Dr. Holger Müller Prize of 5,000 euros is awarded in cooperation with the Care-for-Rare Foundation - Foundation for Children with Rare Diseases at the Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich.
The prize, provided by the Dr. Holger Müller Foundation, is awarded each year for outstanding scientific work in the field of rare diseases. A disease is considered rare if no more than five in 10,000 people are affected.

Contact for further information:
Prof. Dr. med. Min Ae Lee-Kirsch
Clinic for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine
TUD Dresden University of Technology
Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden
Phone: +49 (0) 351 458-16878