Projects
The impact of sodium intake on immune cell function and autoimmunity Hasselt University
Tracking and modulation of regulatory T cells in a disease model of autoimmunity. KU Leuven
On the roles of myeloid cell proteinases in an innate immune paradigm to understand autoimmunity. KU Leuven
FWO KaN grant: Macrophages as mediators of protective autoimmunity Hasselt University
Neutrophils: neglected as potential players in autoimmune type 1 diabetes initiation, progression, and perpetuation KU Leuven
While the role of innate immune cells such macrophages and dendritic cells in the initiation and perpetuation of autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D) have been well documented, the particular actions of neutrophils remain unfairly overlooked in the etiology of this chronic disease. As neutrophils can influence cells of the innate and adaptive immune system, a better characterization of the neutrophil population during disease development is ...
Citrullinated and deamidated neo-epitopes and their role in murine type 1 diabetes. KU Leuven
Until today, treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D) includes life-long,
daily insulin administration and patients are still in risk of long-term
complications, which threatens their life expectancy. As evidenced by
the years of intensive research without therapeutic breakthroughs,
we are in need of novel approaches to tackle this disease. T1D
results from the destruction of the pancreatic β-cells by the ...
Neutrophils and post-translationally modified beta-cell proteins: a driving force behind type 1 diabetes? KU Leuven
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the selective destruction of the pancreatic insulin-producing beta cells by infiltrating immune cells, leading to an absolute insulin deficiency. The prevalence of T1D is increasing worldwide and the concern regarding the number of new T1D cases relates in part to the development of chronic complications, either microvascular (i.e., retinopathy, neuropathy, and ...
Biochemical and biological domain functions of the human MMP-9 propeptide KU Leuven
Proteases are enzymes catalysing the breakdown of proteins into polypeptides or single amino acids, a process called proteolysis. They are key molecules involved in different physiological processes, ranging from digestion of food proteins to development and host protection against pathologies. However, they also contribute to pathological processes including autoimmune diseases and cancer. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are an important ...