Tissue immunology
Chronic inflammation, Human tissue, T cells
Research aim
Our mission is to comprehensively understand, monitor, and target immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as IBD, AD and systemic autoimmune diseases. We aim to unravel (tissue) immune dysregulation and induce long-lasting disease modification.
About us
Our research aims to elucidate the intricate mechanisms underlying immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). By adopting a disease overarching perspective, we investigate various conditions including inflammatory bowel disease, atopic dermatitis, systemic autoimmune diseases, but also checkpoint inhibitor-induced toxicities. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, functional assays, tissue imaging, and computational approaches, we aim to identify robust biomarkers indicative of disease progression, treatment response, patient prognosis, and implement biomarker-guided treatment and tapering strategies.
Our translational efforts are complemented by a deep dive into immunological concepts pivotal in chronic inflammation and tissue immune cell adaptation. Central to our investigations are T cells, recognized as crucial orchestrators in the perpetuation of IMIDs due to their abundance across diverse tissues and their fundamental role in immune regulation. We explore T cell dynamics, spanning from development to their multifaceted involvement in health and chronic inflammatory diseases. Our research encompasses unraveling the nuances of T cell migration, regulation, adaptation, and local tissue interactions, shedding light on their contributions to disease pathogenesis. Crucially, our work is grounded in human-based research methodologies, leveraging unique patient cohorts and immune targeted interventions to decipher immunological mechanisms with clinical relevance.