Projects
Role of alveolar macrophages in controlling risk or protection from asthma. Ghent University
The prevalence of allergic asthma has reached epidemic proportions, especially in Westernized countries. This chronic inflammatory lung disease is caused by an exaggerated immune response to inhaled allergens such as house dust mite, pollen and animal dander. Research has shown that most patients become sensitized to allergen early in life and that several environmental factors can influence the risk for asthma development. For instance, ...
Phosphoproteome analysis of host-RSV interactions Ghent University
Human RSV is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants. There is no vaccine available against this virus. The aim is to characterize host-controlled signaling kinases that are used and activated by RSV. Those kinases kan be targeted and serve as potential new anti-RSV drugs.
Investigation of the mechanism of immune protection evoked by a novel RSV vaccine candidate based on the ectodomain of the small hydrophobic protein. Ghent University
We recently developed a novel vaccine based on the ectodomain of the RSV small hydrophobic protein. The aim of this project is to elucidate the mechanism by which SHe based vaccination protects against RSV infections. As SHe specific immune serum or monoclonal antibodies do not neutralize RSV infection in vitro, we will investigate the role of immune cells in vaccination induced immunity in vivo. More specifically we will investigate the ...
Viral interference with RNA sensing and processing Ghent University
Viruses have evolved to hijack key cellular components of their natural host. The VirEOS
project will analyze how medically relevant viruses such as human respiratory syncytial,
hepatitis E, yellow fever, Zika or Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus, interfere with RNA
sensing and RNA homeostasis in their host cells. The impact of identified factors on the
pathogenicity and on the immune responses will then be ...
Highly versatile real-time live cell imaging for infectious disease and inflammation research. University of Antwerp
Unravelling the pathogenic mechanism behind influenza associated aspergillosis KU Leuven
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a life-threatening infection occurring mainly in immunocompromised patients. However, recently severe influenza infection gains a foothold worldwide as a novel emerging risk factor for IPA in critically ill patients. Despite notable advances in clinical observations, the mechanism underlying influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA) remains unknown. Therefore, this project aims to provide ...
Production of secretory VHH-IgA based antibodies in plants for passive mucosal immunization Ghent University
Most pathogens enter through the mucosal surfaces, the entry of which can be blocked by application of antibodies at these surfaces. Our group has produced VHH-IgA based novel antibodies in seeds for application at mucosal surfaces. In this project we aim to study the parameters required for higher efficient production of these antibodies and their efficacy on application at oral and pulmonary mucosa.