Fiona Sailer

Ms. Fiona Sailer


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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27 May 2025 in Drugs and Drug Candidates
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SGSandra Gunne
Sandra Gunne
FSFiona Sailer
Fiona Sailer
LKLucas Keutmann
Lucas Keutmann
MSMarie Schwerdtner
Marie Schwerdtner
HMHong Moulton
Hong Moulton
SSSusanne Schiffmann
Susanne Schiffmann
Background: TMPRSS2 plays an important role in the viral entry mechanisms of influenza viruses and coronaviruses. Therefore, TMPRSS2 seems to be a suitable antiviral drug target. To exclude possible side effects of TMPRSS2 truncation in an early stage of drug in-vitro testing, this study aims to analyze the impact of TMPRSS2 truncation via antisense peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PPMO) targeting immune cells, using the example of regulatory T cells (Treg). Methods: TMPRSS2 was truncated in human Tregs using a splice-modulating PPMO. Effects on Treg function were analyzed by evaluation of surface marker and transcription factor expression, cytokine secretion, and effector cell suppression capability. Results: PPMO treatment led to a slight concentration-dependent toxicity in Tregs. Tregs with truncated TMPRSS2 behave similarly to untreated and control PPMO-treated cells in the analyzed assays. Conclusions: Treg function is not altered after TMPRSS2 truncation and therefore, no unwanted side effects in regard of Tregs are expected when using TMPRSS2-truncating PPMO as an anti-viral drug.