Research team
Expertise
My research is driven by my clinical work as academic neurologist. Translational and clinical research in Multiple Sclerosis and rare neuroimmunological diseases of the CNS, incl. NMOSD, MOGAD, tumefactive demyelination and Susac syndrome). Overarching themes: (1) improve understanding of CNS neuroimmunological diseases, (2) develop and/or investigate novel care/treatment/monitoring approaches, including cellular immunotherapies. PI in academic and industry-led clinical trials in MS (phase I-IV). (Inter)national collaborations for real-world data collection and analysis of observational studies, eg MSBase, BELTRIMS, ACON
Unravelling the role of antigen-specific T cells in NMOSD and MOGAD.
Abstract
Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) and Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Associated Disease (MOGAD) are rare autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) that are distinct from multiple sclerosis (MS), a more prevalent CNS autoimmune disease. Even though there is evidence for a key role of T cells in the pathogenesis of NMOSD and MOGAD, the focus of research has been directed more towards unravelling the role of autoantibodies. Detection of antigen-specific T cells in the peripheral blood of people with aquaporine-4 positive NMOSD and even more so in MOGAD, has been challenging so far. Identification and functional characterization of antigen-specific autoreactive T cells in the peripheral blood is a necessary step to demonstrate and strengthen the evidence for the pivotal role of T cells in the pathogenesis of NMOSD and MOGAD and may pave the way towards future development of antigen-specific T cell modulatory treatments.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Willekens Barbara
Research team(s)
Project website
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Development of a CD19 CAR T cell therapy for multiple sclerosis.
Abstract
There is a clear unmet need for innovative treatments that can suppress ongoing inflammatory disease activity in treatment refractory RRMS patients. The grant of the Belgian Charcot Foundation enables us to start developing CD19 CAR T cells for the use in MS and related autoimmune diseases that are driven by pathogenic B cells. While this project is focused on laboratory research, we are committed to paving the road towards a first-in-man clinical trial in the future.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Willekens Barbara
- Co-promoter: Cools Nathalie
Research team(s)
Project website
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Towards patient-tailored treatment in multiple sclerosis: a dendritic cell-based vaccine for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system in which the body 's own immune system attacks the myelin sheath. This leads to disruption in signaling in the brain and spinal cord and to loss of brain tissue. MS is the most common cause of non-traumatic disability in young adults. To date, many aspecific immunomodulatory and general immunosuppressive treatments are used to slow down the disease course, but these treatments have several side effects, ranging from mild to severe and life-threatening issues, including other autoimmune diseases and infections. Thus, there remains an unmet need for specific treatments with a good safety profile. Restoring antigen specific tolerance is an interesting approach to tackle these problems. Theoretically, a limited number of vaccinations with tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDC) could reeducate the patient's own immune system in the longterm. Based on our previous research in the laboratory on MS and clinical studies in other autoimmune diseases we are ready to bring tolDC treatment to MS patients. The aim of this project is to assess safety and feasibility of autologous myelin-peptide-loaded tolDC in active MS patients, who will receive 6 vaccinations in a phase I clinical trial. Safety will be evaluated by recording of adverse events. Feasibility will be determined by successful production of tolDC. Positive results can lead to clinical trials evaluating efficacy.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Cools Nathalie
- Co-promoter: Cras Patrick
- Fellow: Willekens Barbara
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project