Research Nicole Berens-Riha

Abstract

Our skin acts as a crucial immunological barrier, hosting a complex network of immune cells including tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells. Extensive in vivo data from mouse models suggest that skin TRM cells play a pivotal role in local immune surveillance and can provide significant protection against pathogenic (re-)infection with infectious agents. Therefore, establishing a robust population of protective TRM cells in the skin through vaccination holds promise to improve efficacy against infections using the skin as an entry portal, such as skin-to-skin infections, bite infections, or through arthropods like sandflies, mosquitoes or ticks. To date, however, the differentiation, maintenance and protective function of TRM cells in human skin remains largely unexplored. Using rabies vaccination in humans as a model, my PhD fellowship aims to (i) standardize the isolation of antigen-specific TRM cells for clinical implementation, (ii) identify the optimal vaccination route for their induction, and (iii) broadly phenotype the incited TRM cell in human skin. With a standardized assay and low-invasive biomarkers of skin imprinting, we hope to facilitate its uptake in future trials to validate its role as a novel correlate of protection against infections with the skin as a primary entry point.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Berens-Riha Nicole
• Fellow: Wouters Janne

Research team(s)

• Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is among the deadliest neglected tropical diseases worldwide affecting the most impoverished populations. East-African countries accounted for 57% of the VL global burden in 2020. The WHO recently launched a VL elimination plan for East-Africa, with early detection and treatment of VL cases as the backbone to reduce transmission and VL burden. However, due to gaps in diagnostics and inaccessible healthcare the official numbers are just the tip of the iceberg and many patients remain untreated. Molecular diagnostics are promoted but their implementation in resource-constrained setting is very limited. We aim to ameliorate the research capacities and multidisciplinary collaboration of clinical, laboratory and anthropological researchers at Arba Minch University (AMU) and Jinka Hospital in southern Ethiopia to support independent and gender-equal research. Training on molecular techniques, good laboratory and clinical practice, interpretation and communication of results, evidence-based medicine and findings of the study will be organized at AMU and other health facilities. Trainees will train the next generation. In line with the elimination goals, we will define an improved and less-invasive diagnostic algorithm for VL patients which is acceptable and accessible for all. Therefore, a diagnostic study introducing molecular diagnostic in combination with a qualitative study with in-depth interviews of different stakeholders will be conducted. By investing in multistakeholder engagement though a community of practice, including patients, healthcare workers, researchers, policy makers and NGOs, we ensure uptake of research findings into policy and practice. The project is embedded in a DGD-funded sandwich PhD project. The qualitative study will be performed by the Anthropological Department of AMU involving two female master students. Flemish promoters and supervisors are employed by the University of Antwerp and the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Berens-Riha Nicole

Research team(s)

• Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH)

Project type(s)

• Research Project