Prof. Dr. Ramon Arens (IMMU) and Dr. Bart Everts (LUCID) have received funding from the Infectious Disease Control 2025–2030 program of ZonMw. This national program aims to strengthen knowledge and innovation in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases, with the goal of reducing disease burden and improving infectious disease control in the Netherlands.
The project focuses on improving vaccine responses by targeting the metabolism of immune cells. Vaccines are less effective in older individuals and people with weakened immune systems, such as kidney transplant recipients, possibly due to altered energy use in dendritic cells and T cells.
The researchers will study responses to the influenza vaccine in healthy adults, older individuals, and transplant patients. Using blood and lymph node samples, they will analyze how cellular metabolism changes after vaccination and test strategies to improve it. Ultimately, the project aims to develop more effective vaccination approaches for vulnerable groups.
https://www.lumc.nl/actueel/2026/prijzen-subsidies-en-benoemingen-6-maart/