Projects
Towards better CRS care by better understanding the mechanism of novel therapeutic approaches that modulate the mucosal epithelial barrier KU Leuven
The current treatment options for patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are limited, hence leading to suboptimal disease control. Better understandingk of the pathophysiology and implementing of novel preventive treatment strategies is warranted. The current PhD project aims at improving the current understanding of efficacy of novel treatment optons with biologicals for CRSwNP, and to evaluate efficacy of antiviral strategies ...
The role of the Ly49E receptor in mucosal immunity and intestinal tumour immune response Ghent University
Interaction of Escherichia coli fimbriae with carbohydrate receptors of porcine enterocytes and the fimbriae-specific mucosal immune response Ghent University
Piglets are very susceptible to infection with pathogenic EScherichia coli strains that adhere with their fimbriae to small intestinal enterocytes, colonise the intestine and cause diarrhoea by toxin secretion. The aim of this project is to identify fimbrial receptors and to analyse the interaction of these pathogens with the mucosal immune system of the host.
Diagnostic and therapeutic consequences of mucosal lymphoid accumulation and local IgE in the nose Ghent University
The local production of immunoglobulin’s are dependent of mucosal lymphoid accumulations and determine the severity of nasal polyposis. The role of receptor revision and local class switching are investigated. The diagnostic and therapeutic relevance will be assessed by in-vivo scintigraphy with 99mTc-labled anti-CD20 (B-cell) and 99mTc-labled IL-2 (T-cell) after surgery or specific therapies (anti-IgE, anti-IL-5 and anti-CD20).
Study of the intestinal mucosal response and oxidative stress on the course of Giardia duodenalis infections. University of Antwerp
Development of a mucosal Chlamydia trachomatis candidate recombinant vaccin Ghent University
Development of a Chlamydia trachomatis vaccin for mucosal administration in women and evaluation of the protective immune respons of different vaccin formulations using a specific pathogen free pig model of infection.
Cystic fibrosis as a modulable model for mucosal and systemic immunity in airway disease. Ghent University
The pathophysiology of inflammatory airway diseases and their exacerbations is determined by a continuous interplay of local and systemic immunity, and micro-organisms residing in the airways. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene encodes for an ion channel involved in the pathogenesis of many chronic airway diseases. In cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive trait in CFTR leads to thick and sticky mucus, a ...
Cystic fibrosis as a modulable model for mucosal and systemic immunity in airway disease. Ghent University
CFTR modulation equilibrates airway inflammation and systemic immune responses in CF patients. Blood and sputum samples are collected pre-/post-CFTR modulation into our prospective biobank. We will assess the role of CFTR in airway microenvironment and host immune response. CF patients will serve as the basis to study airway inflammation and host–microorganism interactions in the context of chronic microbial exposure.
Mucosal wound healing and regeneration in chronic upper airway diseases. Ghent University
Wound healing and scar formation is a frequent problem encountered after functional endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. In this project we will identify negative factors that influence epithelial regeneration and based on this findings develop therapeutic strategies, using an in vitro model, tissue engineering of epithelium and cartilage and a pharmacologic trial