Physiological and medical modulation of the immune system
The immune system is present both in blood and in tissue. While its main task is to respond to pathogens and prevent or control infections, it is also involved in tissue homeostasis and tissue repair. However, there are many factors that can modulate the immune response in those compartments. These cues can be either physiological, as for example during pregnancy, but it can be medically induced, for example in immunosuppressive therapy.
Our research group focuses on how the immune system can fulfil its tasks in these settings of immunomodulation and immunosuppression. The first aim is to dissect how immune responses in blood and tissue are affected in the different immunosuppressive states. By combining in vitro experiments with patient samples, it will be possible to determine the mechanisms of action and in that way make immunosuppressive more targeted in the future. The second aim focuses on the effect of pregnancy on the immune system in blood and locally in the uterus, where immune cells encounter the fetal tissue. Understanding this physiological modulation of the immune system is important to later investigate this modulation in pregnancy complications.
Collectively, our research bridges basic immunological research to clinical questions. We hope that our research increases the knowledge of basic physiological processes and that it leads to new treatment options and improved patient care in the future.