Ellen Schrama

Research

I support postdoctoral researchers and PhD candidates in the group by applying my accumulated expertise to research on DC biology and tumor immunology. In particular, I contribute to the development and optimization of human translational model systems. These platforms are used to establish licensed DC–T cell co-culture systems for the isolation and characterization of tumor (neo)antigen-specific T cells, and to support the identification of functional tumor-reactive T cells with therapeutic potential.

Curriculum Vitae

I studied histology and cytology at the HBO level and have a longstanding interest in immunology.

Since 1993, I have worked as a research technician in this department (then IHB). In the group of Prof. Els Goulmy, I focused on the induction of minor histocompatibility antigen HA-1–specific cytotoxic T cells and developed strong expertise in T cell culture and a broad range of immunological techniques, including immunostainings for FACS and microscopy, ELISA, and functional cell assays.

From 2013 onward, I worked in the group of Prof. Wim Fibbe, studying immunomodulation by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with a focus on MSC therapy as an emerging strategy to dampen immune responses. In 2019, I joined the group of Prof. Jannie Borst, where I supported postdoctoral researchers and PhD candidates and investigated metabolic regulation in conventional and regulatory T cells following different modes of (co-)stimulation.

Since 2023, I have been part of the group of Dr. Yanling Xiao, where I support scientific staff by applying my accumulated expertise.