Projects
(Epi)-genetic PEAR1 PHenotyping in HEmatopoietic Specification (EPHES). KU Leuven
Platelets are small circulating cells that play a crucial role in arresting bleeding after vascular trauma. One of the proteins that contributes to this process is the Platelet Endothelial Aggregation Receptor-1 (PEAR1) which stabilizes platelet aggregation. PEAR1 is also present in other cells that are precursors of platelets and in cells, present in the blood stream. To better understand why PEAR1 is present in certain blood cells while ...
Investigating the interplay between von Willebrand factor, platelets, and neutrophil extracellular traps in pathologies involving thrombosis of the microvasculature KU Leuven
White blood cells are essential for fighting infection using specific killing mechanisms. However, when these processes get activated in the absence of infection, this can cause disease. Similarly, von Willebrand factor (VWF), which serves as a sort of glue during blood clotting by sticking platelets (small blood cells) to damaged blood vessels, can also lead to disease when it gets released without injury. One of the ways that white blood ...
Research of the interaction between VWF and 'neutrophil extracellular traps' in trombotic microangiopathies. KU Leuven
White blood cells are essential for fighting infection using specific killing mechanisms. However, when these processes get activated in the absence of infection, this can cause disease. Similarly, von Willebrand factor (VWF), which serves as a sort of glue during blood clotting by sticking platelets (small blood cells) to damaged blood vessels, can also lead to disease when it gets released without injury. One of the ways that white blood ...
Biochemical and functional study of post-translationally modified CXC chemokines in the tumor microenvironment KU Leuven
Solid tumors not only include tumor cells but also connective tissue cells, blood vessels and inflammatory cells (white blood cells or leukocytes), all of which are interposed between the malignant cells and normal host tissue. This stroma is required to reach tumor sizes beyond 2 mm, as it provides oxygen, nutrients and growth factors which promote proliferation, invasion and metastasis of the malignant cells. Thus, a detailed understanding ...
Inhibition of inflammation induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury KU Leuven
During several medical conditions such as trauma, surgery or transplantation, the blood flow to an organ can be reduced or even completely interrupted. The resulting lack of oxygen stresses the organ. Subsequent restoration of the blood flow causes inflammation and leads to further damage. Some damage is an inevitable consequence of kidney transplantation. However, the kidney injury can result in severe consequences for the patient, who ...
Generation of primary TRIB2-driven human leukemia models in vivo. Ghent University
Blood cells play vital roles for the maintenance of organism integrity. Erythrocytes are responsible
for the oxygen supply, while platelets (originating from megakaryocytes) prevent blood loss. In
addition, the white blood cells ensure an appropriate immune defense against external (viruses,
microorganisms) and internal threats (e.g. tumors). All cellular blood components originate from
hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) ...
Epithelial and innate lymphoid cell interaction in a model of respiratory tract inflammation KU Leuven
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lower airways. It affects over 300 million people worldwide. In 60-70% of cases, the disease can be explained by allergies, such as house dust mite, pollen, animals or others. This type of asthma is often associated by influx of eosinophils (a certain white blood cell) to the airways. In the remaining group of asthmatics, other triggers should initiate or exacerbate the disease. Certain ...
Casting NETs in the failing heart KU Leuven
White blood cells are essential for fighting infection using specific killing mechanisms. However, when these processes get activated in the absence of infection, this can cause disease. One of the ways that white blood cells try to fight infection is by sending out neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), ejecting their DNA lined with proteins that can kill bacteria. These same proteins also damage healthy blood vessels and cause them to ...
Dendritic cell immunotherapy in serous ovarian cancer. KU Leuven
Ovarian cancer is the second most important pelvic tumor with limited treatment options in case of relapsing tumors, leading to a poor prognosis. New therapies are needed. Earlier, we developed dendritic cell (DC) immunotherapy for uterine cancers, based on the tumorassociated antigen (TAA) Wilms’ tumor gene 1 (WT1). DCs were produced in the laboratory starting from regular white blood cells from a patient. These DCs were loaded with WT1 in ...