Projects
Stimulation of the suppressed innate antitumor immunity in glioblastoma. University of Antwerp
Pharmacological modulation of molecular and cellular components of innate immunity as a strategy against virus infections. KU Leuven
Barriers and carriers for non-viral delivery of mRNA to induce transient protein expression in the retina: the hurdles of the inner limiting membrane and innate immunity versus the potential of mRNA self-amplification. Ghent University
The intravitreal delivery of mRNA packaged into nanoparticles to reach the inner retina is mainly hindered by the inner limiting membrane and the innate immunity that detects and destroys mRNA. Therefore, several goals were set up: (1) design small nanoparticles (<80 nm), (2) evaluation of selfamplifying
mRNA, (3) mRNA combined with innate immunity inhibitors and (4) mRNA vs. Selfamplifying mRNA.
Role of innate immunity effectors in the pathogenesis of post-infectious glomerulonephritis in dogs Ghent University
Identification of innate immune effectors in infected mice and dogs with E. coli pyometra en S. intermedius pyodermia, allows the selection of candidate renal markers. The determination of these markers should allow the detection of canine glomerulonephiritis in a subclinical stage. This is not possible with the standard renal markers used in the clinic, as these are either to aspecific or not sensitive enough.
Chicken mucosal innate immunity against APEC. KU Leuven
The role of innate immunity in chronic intestinal inflammation and fibrosis: towards a cure for Inflammatory Bowel Disease? KU Leuven
Apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy: a comparative study of the impacht of dying cells on innate immunity Ghent University
The aim of this project is to investigate in a comparative way the interaction and communication of different types of dying ells (apoptotic, necrotic and autophagic) with the innate immune system. In the second part of this project we will perform molecular identification, characterization and validation of DAMPs (death associated molecular patterns), which are involved in the immunomodulatory properties of dying cells.
Innate and adaptive immune responses to influenza virus infection under conditions of infection-permissive immunity Ghent University
Influenza viruses cause flu epidemics and pandemics worldwide. The antigenic dress of flu viruses changes continuously, which necessitates yearly vaccinations. Repeated exposures to flu viruses involves that the host acquires different levels of virus immunity over time. In this project the host-virus interactions under different conditions of immune pressure will be studied.
Effects of exposure to (non)-endotoxin contaminated particulate matter on respiratory function, innate immunity and bacterial colonization of the lung in calves Ghent University
The objective of this proposal is to determine the health effects of exposure of calves to (non)-endotoxin containing particulate matter. After determining current exposure levels in Flemish farms and the association with pulmonary health, the underlying mechanisms of these negative health effects are unravelled in challenge experiments. This project provides crucial knowledge to prevent calf pneumonia and to reduce the associated ...