Myeloid cells in onco-immunology and infectious diseases
The Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab studies the ontogeny, function, and therapeutic targeting of different myeloid and immunoregulatory cell populations in cancer and during infectious diseases, with a particular focus on, and expertise in, macrophage biology. To do so, we employ cutting-edge models and translate to human samples, applying state-of-the-art molecular and genetic technologies such as single cell RNA-sequencing, CITE-sequencing, lipidomics, epigenomics and spatial transcriptomics, the generation of novel transgenic mouse strains and the strategic exploitation of our in house nanobody production facility (nanobodies as vehicles for in vivo molecular imaging and therapeutic targeting). Consequently, this research pipeline encompasses both fundamental and applied research projects, with an ultimate goal to valorize our research. In this respect, our line of work is highly complementary to several IRC and VIB labs involved in myeloid cell research, cross-fertilizing each other to push boundaries.
Areas of Expertise
- Onco-immunology
- Immunology of infectious disease
- Macrophages
- Immunosuppression
- Nanobodies
Technology Transfer Potential
- Identification and valorization of novel therapeutic targets on macrophages and regulatory T cells in cancer
- Nanobody-based therapeutics (eg. nanobody-drug conjugates, nanobody-based blockers,…)
- Novel intervention strategies for Trypanosoma parasitic infections
Selected publications
- Lauwers Y, et al. Imaging of tumor-associated macrophage dynamics during immunotherapy using a CD163-specific nanobody-based immunotracer. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA.121(52):e2409668121 (2024). Visit ➚
- Musrati MA, et al. Infection history imprints prolonged changes to the epigenome, transcriptome and function of Kupffer cells. J Hepatol. 81(6):1023-1039 (2024). Visit ➚
- Stijlemans B, et al. Q586B2 is a crucial virulence factor during the early stages of Trypanosoma brucei infection that is conserved amongst trypanosomatids. Nat Commun. 15(1):1779. (2024). Visit ➚
- Geeraerts, X. et al. Macrophages are metabolically heterogeneous within the tumor microenvironment. Cell Rep 37, 110171 (2021). Visit ➚
- Pombo Antunes, A. R. et al. Single-cell profiling of myeloid cells in glioblastoma across species and disease stage reveals macrophage competition and specialization. Nat Neurosci 24, 595-610 (2021). Visit ➚
Bibliography
- Full bibliography Visit ➚
