Ilse Gille

Research

Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) matching is an important aspect of transplantation. Highly immunized patients have antibodies and memory B-cells against mismatched HLA molecules due to previous transplantations, blood transfusions and/or pregnancy. These patients have a severely reduced chance to find a compatible donor organ. Current treatment options nonspecifically target antibodies and B cells that recognize mismatched HLA which leads to side effects and remain moderately effective.

In this project, I hope to develop a novel cellular therapy to specifically eliminate memory B-cells with reactivity towards mismatched HLA molecules. Such therapy can potentially serve as a personalized immune therapy to treat highly personalized patients and thereby increase the chance to get transplanted and prevent or treat antibody-mediated rejection.

Curriculum vitae

In 2014 I started with the study Nutrition and Health at Wageningen University. During this bachelor, I also participated in the Erasmus exchange program, where I studied for one semester at Umeå University in Sweden. During my studies, I developed an interest in underlying mechanisms of disease which led to the decision to study Biomedical Sciences. I was admitted to the pre-master for Biomedical Sciences, subsequently I started with the Master Biomedical Sciences at Leiden University. In 2021 I received my MSc degree after which I started as a PhD student at the department Immunology, in collaboration with the department of Hematology under the supervision of dr. Sebastiaan Heidt and dr. Mirjam Heemskerk.