Projects
Characterizing the virus diversity in Belgian and European bats KU Leuven
Characterisation of a novel Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immune evasion mechanism and evaluation of the impact for development of novel vaccines and prophylactic and/or therapeutic antibodies University of Antwerp
Improved respiratory syncytial virus (rsv) vaccines based on glycan modification of the viral fusion (f) protein. University of Antwerp
New antivirals against human parainfluenza virus Ghent University
Human parainfluenza viruses (hPIVs) are a major cause of severe respiratory disease in (very) young children and the immunocompromised. hPIVs are the second main cause of hospitalization due to acute respiratory tract infection in children under five (respiratory syncytial virus ranks first). There are no clinically approved vaccines or antivirals available against hPIVs to prevent or treat these infections. Our group recently isolated ...
Study of the earliest extracellular and intracellular interactions of the hepatitis C virus with human hepatocytes in chimeric uPA-SCID mice Ghent University
uPA-SCID mice can be infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) after they have been transplanted with human hepatocytes. In this research project we will evaluate in vivo the different steps in viral entry and evaluate different approaches to prevent HCV infection. In addition, we will map all changes in gene and protein expression that occur in the human hepatocytes that occur early after HCV entry. This may provide insight in the mechanism ...
A sustainable vaccination strategy for cross-clade protection against H1N1 influenza viruses of swine and humans Ghent University
We believe that consecutive immunization with antigenically distinct influenza viruses within the same subtype, or with closely related subtypes, can induce broadly-neutralizing antibodies against the viral HA. Using this concept and the pig model of influenza, we will develop vaccination strategies that can protect swine and humans against any H1N1 virus clade, as well as potentially pandemic avian H5 viruses.
Functional Genomics for Emerging Infectious Diseases KU Leuven
The focus of my proposed research is on the ecology of emerging zoonotic viruses, both in their natural and dead-end host context. I propose to investigate these viruses’ clinical relevance for and the genetic susceptibility of their host, and to explore and predict the mechanisms that determine the capability of these reservoir-borne viruses to switch hosts as well as their pathogenic potential. To achieve these goals, I am finalizing an ...
Single domain antibodies that neutralize SARS-CoV-2 Ghent University
The aim of this project is to isolate single domain antibodies that are directed against the receptor-binding domain that is part of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Those single-domain antibodies, separately and combined, will be evaluated for their capacity to neutralize SARS-CoV-2.
Translational research related to Corona-Covid 19 KU Leuven
The unpredictability of the COVID-19 disease course poses a major burden on health care and economic systems across the world. This is mainly caused by a lack of in-depth knowledge of the diverse host factors that dictate COVID-19’s severity. While it is known that the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 can become heavily dysregulated leading to patients’ admissions to intensive care units, the details of how and when this happens remain largely ...