Research Wim Stevens

Abstract

Current project concerns a new generation, user-friendly, high-speed and compact flow cytometric cell sorter, capable of sorting different cell populations simultaneously, based on their intrinsic characteristics. This warrants further biological, molecular-biological and immunological research of sorted and purified cells.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Berneman Zwi
• Co-promoter: Ebo Didier
• Co-promoter: Stevens Wim
• Co-promoter: Van Tendeloo Vigor

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main objective of this project is to develop for selected allergens such an integrated strategy. In such a strategy, quantitative analysis of the target allergen plays a central role. This project will result in an integrated approach for the allergens soy and hazelnut and can be applied to other allergens in the future so that the government and producers will have the tools to control the legislation concerning allergens in a relable way.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Stevens Wim
• Co-promoter: Ebo Didier

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Purpose: To expand insights in the signal transduction of individual basophils, ultimately leading to elucidate the early tolerance mechanisms of VIT in basophils.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Clerck Luc
• Co-promoter: Stevens Wim
• Fellow: Ebo Didier

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of the project is to study the role of intracellular signalling molecules in T helper cell differentiation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (as a model of T helper 1-mediated disease) and wasp venom allergy (Th2). Relevant signalling molecules include STAT4, STAT5, STAT6 and p38 MAPK. Using a cell-based technique, the effect of stimuli from dendritic cells and regulatory T cells on the activation of cell signalling is studied, as well as the effect of therapy that is known to induce a clinically "tolerant" state.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Clerck Luc
• Co-promoter: Stevens Wim
• Fellow: Aerts Nicolaas

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Ebo Didier
• Co-promoter: Hagendorens Margo
• Co-promoter: Stevens Wim

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The primary objective of the project is to investigate and validate the Basophil activation test in the diagnosis of class II food allergy and to identify patients with definite food allergies. Furthermore, the technique will be applied to discriminate between clinically relevant and irrelevant sIgE antibody results.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Stevens Wim
• Co-promoter: Ebo Didier
• Co-promoter: Hagendorens Margo

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main objective of this project is to develop for selected allergens such an integrated strategy. In such a strategy, quantitative analysis of the target allergen plays a central role. This project will result in an integrated approach for the allergens soy and hazelnut and can be applied to other allergens in the future so that the government and producers will have the tools to control the legislation concerning allergens in a relable way.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Stevens Wim
• Co-promoter: Ebo Didier

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Clerck Luc
• Co-promoter: Stevens Wim
• Fellow: Aerts Nicolaas

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to obtain further insights in the early appearing tolerance mechanisms of antigen specific immunotherapy in wasp anaphylaxis. For this purpose the intracellular signal transduction of basophils of patients treated with wasp venom immunotherapy will be studied.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Stevens Wim
• Fellow: Ebo Didier

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Stevens Wim
• Co-promoter: Berneman Zwi
• Co-promoter: De Clerck Luc
• Co-promoter: Ebo Didier
• Co-promoter: Hagendorens Margo
• Co-promoter: Van Tendeloo Vigor

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Ebo Didier
• Promoter: Stevens Wim

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Venom immunotherapy has proven to be very effective in hymenoptera venom anaphylaxis. However, there are no good parameters to indicate when to stop venom immunotherapy. The objectives of this work are to assess the relationship of the basophil activation test to history, skin test and venom-specific IgE and to address the time course of basophil activation to venom during venom immunotherapy and the possible utility of basophil activation test to determine the duration of therapy.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Stevens Wim

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Stevens Wim
• Co-promoter: De Clerck Luc

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

It is postulated that cord blood monocytes from neonates of atopic parents have different features than monocytes from newborns ofnon-atopic parents. Our hypothesis will be evaluated at two levels. After incubation with antigens, the secretion of cytokins and PGE2 by cord blood monocytes will be assessed. Further the influence of primed monocytes on the lymphocytic immune response will be determined by evaluating T -cell proliferation and production of cytokines by T -lymphocytes.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Stevens Wim
• Co-promoter: De Clerck Luc

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The flow cytometer is an indispensable apparatus for the analysis of cell membrane characteristics (blood-, umbilical-cartilage cells) and for the detection of intracellular mediators (e.g. cytokines) in these cells.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Stevens Wim

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Introduction: From 1997 on, a research project on the effect of risk factors before and after birth (perinatal) on the occurrence of asthma and allergies in children has started. The project is called PIPO-study which stands for Prospective study on the Influence of Perinatal factors on the Occurrence of asthma and allergies in newborns. Pregnant women are asked to participate and their children will be followed until at least the age of 4. Meanwhile approximately 800 subjects participate and recruitment will continue until May 2001, resulting in approximately 1,200 children included in the study. Research questions of the PIPO-study: 1) What determinants during the perinatal period detemine the occurrence of asthma and other atopic diseases (rhinitis, atopical eczema)? 2) What determinants (effect modifiers) determine the degree of association between exposure to common allergens (house dust mite, cat dander) and the occurrence of asthma and allergy? 3) How does the immunological reaction to these allergens develop over time and what is its relationship to clinical symptoms? 4) Are the determinants for the occurrence of asthma and allergy avoidable? Aim of the project: Performance of the follow-up of the children of the PIPO-study at the age of 4 years, since the study population has already mainly been formed. Working plan: During the project two dust samples have been taken: at 5 months pregnancy and 3 months after birth. The amount of house dust mite allergens in these dust samples will be determined. Moreover, 2 extended questionnaires are being taken, in which several risk factors will be established (familial predisposition, smoking behaviour, nutrition, indoor factors,'). Especially determinants before, around and after birth (peri-natal) will be asked for. During the first year, the parents record allergic and respiratory symptoms once a week. The physician of family wellfare clinic (`Kind&Gezin') or the general practitioner will be asked to fill in a medical questionnaire 4 times a year. At the age of one, when the parents give permission, all children will be physically examined by a research physician and a blood sample will be taken for an evaluation of the allergy status. Since asthma and allergy especially occur at later age, the further follow-up of these children is very important. This project will therefore carry out this follow-up. During the entire research period, data of all children on changes in environmental determinants and the occurrence of asthma and atopic diseases will be collected by postal questionnaires, which are filled in by their parents. Subsequently an extended examination will take place at the age of 4. This will be carried out by questionnaire, physical examination and a blood sample for determination of total and specific allergic markers in the blood. Results will published in a report and will be submitted to international journals.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Weyler Joost
• Co-promoter: Stevens Wim
• Co-promoter: Van Bever Hugo
• Co-promoter: Vermeire Paul

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Bever Hugo
• Co-promoter: De Clerck Luc
• Co-promoter: Stevens Wim

Research team(s)

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• Research Project

Abstract

In this project, the influence of immune complexes on chondrocyte functions will be studied in rheumatoid arthritis. Immune complexes are present in serum, synovial fluid and superficial layers of cartilage of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Experimental data in animals suggest that immune complexes provoque cartilage destruction. However data in man are lacking. Parameters of chondrocyte function that will be investigated include chondrocyte growth, production of inflammatory mediators, necrosis and apoptosis.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Clerck Luc
• Co-promoter: Kockx Mark
• Co-promoter: Stevens Wim

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

It is postulated that cord blood monocytes from neonates of atopic parents have different features than monocytes from newborns of non-atopic parents. Our hypothesis will be evaluated at two levels. After incubation with antigens, the secretion of cytokins and PGE2 by cord blood monocytes will be assessed. Further the influence of primed monocytes on the lymphocytic immune response will be determined by evaluating T-cell proliferation and production of cytokines by T-lymphocytes.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Bever Hugo
• Co-promoter: De Clerck Luc
• Co-promoter: Stevens Wim

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this paper the actual knowledge about environment and allergy is discussed: multiple allergens can cause allergy of the respiratory system and the individuals is exposed via different possible sites. Household allergens, introduced by the patient himself are very important, next to professional exposures and exposure via the "macro"environment. For autoimmune diseases, the situation is less clear cut: there are a number of well known examples leading to exacerbation or induction of generalised autoimmune diseases. Examples are ultraviolet light and systemic lupus erythematodes disseminatus (SLE), estrogens and other drugs and SLE. The toxic oil syndrome and eosinophilic fasciitis are associated with oral intake of toxic oil and L-tryptophan. A number of substances (e.g. PVC) can induce systemic sclerosis.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Stevens Wim

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project will study 4 main topics : 1. autoantibodies in thrombotic events; 2. impact of fibronolytics on thrombin generation, contact and complement activation; 3. effect of antiplatelet and lipid-lowering drugs and nutrition supplementation on thrombin generation; 4. genetic aspects of thrombophilia.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Stevens Wim

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Hyposensitization with wasp venom induces a dramatic decrease of lymphocyte stimulation with the venom, we will evaluate the T-helper 1 and T-helper 2 cytokine profile in order to unravel the mechanisms of the short term and long term immunological effects.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Stevens Wim

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In a cohort study 2000 newborns will be enrolled starting 6 months before birth. By means of a questionnaire, dust sampling and biological monitoring, data on exposure to determinants of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic eczema will be assessed. The incidence of these diseases will be registred at least until 2 years of follow-up are completed. In a nested case-referent study the occurrence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic eczema will be studied in detail as a function of exposure to allergens, with special emphasis on the potential effect modification by pollutants.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Weyler Joost
• Co-promoter: Stevens Wim
• Co-promoter: Vermeire Paul

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of the project is to study cord blood lymphocytes of an unselected group of neonates; the children have to be born after an uncomplicated pregnancy and a normal birth. All children will be followed during the first two years of life with special attention to the development of asthma and atopic dermatitis. The purpose is to look if cord blood lymphocytes of subsequently atopic children have other features than cord blood lymphocytes of normal children.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Bever Hugo
• Co-promoter: De Clerck Luc
• Co-promoter: Stevens Wim

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of the project is to study cord blood lymphocytes of an unselected group of neonates; the children have to be born after an uncomplicated pregnancy and a normal birth. All children will be followed during the first two years of life with special attention to the development of asthma and atopic dermatitis. The purpose is to look if cord blood lymphocytes of subsequently atopic children have other features than cord blood lymphocytes of normal children.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Bever Hugo
• Co-promoter: De Clerck Luc
• Co-promoter: Stevens Wim

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Neutrophils isolated from periferal blood or broncho-alveolar lavage will be studied before and after treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and/or anti-oxidants (N-acetylcysteine). Membrane adhesion molecules, chemotaxis, superoxide production, actin polymerisation status and a number of cytokines will be evaluated in order to determine the role of the neutrophils in this process.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Stevens Wim

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project on rheumatoid arhtritis, an important initial step in the inflammatory proces, i.e. the adhesion of leukocytes to endothelium, is studied. Adhesive properties of neutrophils and eosinophils are compared. Furthermore, on cartilage level, the adhesion and interaction of granulocytes and chondrocytes is investigated.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Stevens Wim
• Fellow: De Clerck Luc

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project