Projects
CD56+ human blood dendritic cells: unique mediators of strong natural killer and gamma/delta T cell activation to promote antigen-specific T cell immune responses in health and disease. University of Antwerp
Unravelling the role of immunogenic cell death and endothelial cells in the tumour microenvironment and immunity Ghent University
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a novel anti-tumour strategy. The tumour microenvironment (TME), including endothelial cells (ECs), can influence the therapeutic efficacy of ICD. My project will gain insight into the immunological role of ECs in the TME exposed to ICD-induced cancer cells, and unravel the molecular mechanisms and key elements responsible for the efficacy of ICD-induced therapy.
BNIP3 AND ITS ROLE IN MODULATING THE INTERFACE BETWEEN MELANOMA CELLS AND IMMUNE CELLS KU Leuven
The hypoxia responsive protein BNIP3 plays an important role in promoting cell death and/or autophagy, ultimately resulting in a cancer type-dependent, tumour-enhancer or tumour-suppressor activity. We previously reported that in melanoma cells, BNIP3 regulates cellular morphology, mitochondrial clearance, cellular viability and maintains protein expression of CD47, a pro-cancerous, immunosuppressive 'don't eat me' signal. Surface-exposed ...
Perturbation of extracellular matrix (ECM)-degrading cellulair devices by means of photoporation-directed nanobody delivery in immune cells and cancer cells. Ghent University
This project will investigate a particular intracellular structure that is found in immune cells, osteoclasts and cancer cells. It consists of many different proteins that together build up a so-called invadopodium. This is a sort of molecular tiny foot or 'drill' that makes holes in the underlying basement membrane. This allows immune cells to engage pathogens that are hidden somewhere in tissues, but also allows cancer cells to escape from ...
The role of pili on Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in the interaction with macrophages and other immune cells KU Leuven
The human gastrointestinal tract is colonized by large numbers of microbes, referred to as the gut microbiota. This microbiota establishes a complex and bilateral interplay with local host cells such as epithelial and immune cells. Functions including contribution to digestion, pathogen exclusion, enhancement of the epithelial barrier functioning and immune system modulation have been attributed to these gut microorganisms. Their described ...
Engaging the immune system for remyelination in the brain using BDNF-engineered regulatory T cells. University of Antwerp
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.