Prof. dr. Cornelis (Kees) Melief

Emeritus professor

Career overview

Prof. Kees Melief is a pioneering cancer immunologist and former head of the Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion at Leiden University Medical Center from 1991 to 2008. He is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work on therapeutic cancer vaccines and T-cell immunotherapy, particularly in the context of HPV-induced cancers. His research has bridged fundamental immunology and clinical application, leading to the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies. As a founder of the biotech company ISA Pharmaceuticals, he has played a key role in translating immunological insights into patient treatments, earning numerous awards for his scientific and translational impact.

Groups: About

News

Thesis Defence Kyra van der Pan

September 18, 2025
Prof. Ramon Arens receives an €50.000 Open Competition Domain Science- XS grant from NWO (The Dutch Research Council)

September 8, 2025
2025 IMMU PI Retreat, Location: Oud Poelgeest Castle

September 1, 2025

Groups

Arens Lab / T cell regulation

We study the molecular and cellular regulation of T-cell responses and aim to use this knowledge to inform and improve immunotherapy
Borst & Xiao & Salerno Lab / Tumor biology and immunology

Our research aims to delineate cellular and molecular processes that govern adaptive immunity
Eikmans Lab / Reproductive Immunology

We aim to understand how the pregnant woman immunologically tolerates her baby, and what mechanisms account for pregnancy complications
Ossendorp & van der Maaden Lab / Tumor Immunology

Immunotherapy of cancer: immunological mechanisms and specific therapeutic strategies
Roelen Lab / Transplant Immunology

Our research focuses on the prevention, detection and treatment of HLA sensitization in transplant recipients
Smits Lab / Infection and Lung Immunology

Impact of commensals and pathogens on inflammatory events in the lung
Staal Lab / Molecular Stem Cell biology and lymphoid development

Basic Science meets Gene Therapy
Trouw Lab / Complement and antibodies

From immunopathology to immunotherapy
Van der Veen Lab / Nucleic acid immunity

Nucleic acid sensing in viral infection and sterile inflammation
Van Dongen Lab / Immune monitoring

Monitoring of immune cell populations during health, disease and (targeted) treatment
Van Unen Lab / Mucosal Immunology

We study the development and function of the mucosal immune system in health and disease
Verdoes Lab / Chemical Immunology

The development of chemical tools to understand and to manipulate the immune system

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Looking for information on one of our topics, a new place to conduct your research or connect to experienced researchers to join forces with? Feel free to contact us!