< Back to previous page

Organisation

Immunology - Biochemistry

Research Group

Lifecycle:1 Jan 1990 →  31 Dec 2019
Organisation profile:Neuro-inflammatory and autoimmune disease We study the disease mechanism of multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, two autoimmune diseases that target the central nervous system and joints respectively. We are particularly interested in the underlying immune dysfunctions (e.g. T cell regulation defects) in these diseases, and try to unravel the molecular and cellular events involved in tissue destruction and tissue repair. We are using various in vitro approaches (lymphocyte and neuronal cell cultures) and in vivo animal models (rodents) to study these research questions. We are also developing new therapeutic strategies for these diseases (e.g. T cell vaccination). In addition we use proteomics and phage display technologies to identify and test new disease markers. We are specialized in brain and cerebrospinal fluid proteomics. Molecular markers are further tested for their application in diagnosis, prognosis or theranostics. Biosensors Together with the Institute for Materials Research of our university, we are developing new biosensors to measure disease related molecules. We use conjugated polymers and CVD diamond for the development of new biolectronic devices using specific antibodies or oligonucleotide probes.
Keywords:AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES, BIOMARKERS, EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS, IMMUNE THERAPY, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, PROTEOMICS, RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, T-CELL VACCINATION
Disciplines:Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular and cell biology, Neurosciences, Biomarker discovery and evaluation