Introduction
Research group of Prof. G. Opdenakker
Laboratory of Immunobiology
This research group studies the interactions between host and pathogens, including the reciprocal influences of the environment, genetics and immune system. Viral, bacterial or parasitic infections first induce cytokines and chemokines and proteinases which tune and amplify adaptive immune reactions. Myeloid cells (neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells) play key roles in these regulatory processes and are also increasingly accepted as determinants in cancer and autoimmune diseases. Host and microbial proteinases are important molecular targets for which novel analytical platforms are developed. The study of autoimmune diseases has culminated in a practical theorem: the REGA model. This acronym for Remnant Epitopes Generate Autoimmunity helps to understand how infections and inflammations lead to cytokine and chemokine production, cell recruitment and activation, imbalances between inhibitors and proteases, that process protein substrates into remnant epitopes. These abundant neo-epitopes are presented en masse by antigen presenting cells and lead to autoreactive T cell activation and boost auto-antibody production. Several new programmes are directed towards the study of specific infections (malaria, mycobacteria), autoimmune diseases (arthritis and systemic autoimmunity) and cancer (melanoma and ovarian cancer).
