Projects
Recognition of alfaherpesvirus envelope glycoproteins by dendritic cells and natural killer cells Ghent University
Dendritic cells and natural killer cells are crucial for an efficient immune response against alphaherpesviruses. These cells are able, via an unknown mechanism, to recognize alphaherpesvirus envelope glycoproteins. The aim of the project proposal is to unravel this mechanism, which will lead to new virological and immunological insights that may lead to new strategies to interfere with alphaherpesvirus infections.
Interaction of alphaherpesvirus glycoproteins with natural killer cells and dendritic cells Ghent University
Natural killer (NK) and dendritic cells (DC) are crucial in the antiviral immune response against alpaherpesviruses. The aims of the current research are to identify which viral glycoproteins are recognized by NK and/or DC, to analyze the consequences of this interaction on NK/DC activity, and to determine which receptors on NK/DC are responsible for this interaction.
Reciprocal cross-talk between human natural killer cells and interleukin-15-cultured dendritic cells for improved anti-leukemic cytotoxic activity. University of Antwerp
Induction of multiple sclerosis (MS)-specific immune toleration using tolerogene dendritic cells and regulatory T cells. Preclinical evaluation of the therapeutic potential of cellular immune therapy in MS. University of Antwerp
The putative effect of corticostatin and neuropeptides belonging to the CRF-family on the interaction between visceral afferents, mast cells and dendritic cells during intestinal inflammation. University of Antwerp
The role of interleukin-1 in the interaction between epithelial cells and dendritic cells in the lung Ghent University
Study of phagosomes of inflammatory dendritic cells as an intracellular platform to shape immune responses Ghent University
Specialized cells of the immune system are able to recognize invading microbes as well as to initiate immune responses allowing to memorize and protect during following attacks. In this project we aim for a detailed analysis and functional characterization of the intracellular organelles (phagosomes) that enclose foreign material in one of these specialized immune cells (dendritic cells) during inflammation.