Projects
Uncovering liver macrophage subsets and the role of macrophage prolyl hydroxylases in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and associated liver cancer Ghent University
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is an important cause of chronic liver disease in Western countries. The disease ranges from simple steatosis (lipid accumulation) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (liver inflammation related to steatosis) which can result in liver cirrhosis and even in NASH-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (NASH-HCC). Macrophages (Mf) are innate immune cells with diverse functions related to their origin and local ...
Can high-resolution optical projection tomography of the interplay between cryptococci and macrophages unravel the enigmas in pulmonary and cerebral cryptococosis pathogenesis? KU Leuven
Scientific state-of-the-art & aims of this proposal:
Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii are encapsulated yeasts that can cause life-threatening disease in both immune-competent and immune-suppressed individuals (e.g. cancer therapy patients or patients with AIDS). Cryptococcosis affects the lung and may spread to the brain, manifesting itself by meningitis or pseudocystic brain lesions. It ...
The study of classical and alternative activation in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia and macrophages. University of Antwerp
Selective clearance of macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques via drug-induced cell death as a strategy for plaque stabilisation. University of Antwerp
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 ...
Understanding division of labor in interstitial macrophages Ghent University
Interstitial macrophages (IMs) are a subpopulation of tissue resident macrophages (TRMs) present across all tissues, ranging from brain borders to kidneys. Across the different tissues they inhabit, IMs are subdivided into two subsets according to whether they express pro-inflammatory or reparative genes. This pattern of conservation further extends to their sub-anatomical localization,
with one subset showing preferential association ...
Mechanism of infection of sialoadhesin (Sn)-positive macrophages with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and its implications for inflammation and immune pathology during bronchiolitis. University of Antwerp
Aspects of porcine arterivirus entry in macrophages leading to virus persistence Ghent University
We want to investigate how entry of porcine arterivirus in macrophages via the macrophage-specific receptor sialoadhesin results in intracellular virus survival and virus persistence at cellular and animal level. An in vitro model will be set up to investigate how long virus remains infectious after sialoadhesin-dependent internatization in the macrophage.
Innate imprinting of resident alveolar macrophages by allergic airway inflammation: mechanism and consequences for asthma exacerbation Ghent University
In a mouse model of asthma, resident alveolar macrophages showed an increased inflammatory reactivity upon post-infection of the asthmatic lung. This project aims to elucidate the mechanism underlying the altered macrophage innate functionality and hereby to enable interference with asthma exacerbation.