- The role of complement in the break of tolerance against post-translationally modified proteins
- The development of novel antibodies to modulate complement activation
- The circulating levels and biology of complement proteins in health and disease
The work of these three major themes is aimed to understand the role of complement and (auto)antibodies in human disease and in current therapy. By understanding the role of complement in the formation of anti-post-translationally modified protein responses we aim to intervene in this process to block autoimmunity. At the same time we want to use the information to boost desired immune responses e.g. against infection and cancer. The knowledge on complement and specific antibodies will be utilized to generate new engineered antibodies that have optimal properties to modulate complement activity. The knowledge obtained from the complement biology theme will not only allow biomarker discovery for personalized medicine, but will also enable to optimal use of complement for the proposed therapeutic antibodies. All three themes span the full spectrum from in vitro protein chemistry to in vivo experimental models and human subjects.
We are open to discuss possibilities to host international post-docs who have (partial) fellowships for a study abroad.
