Research group neuroinflammation and autoimmunity

Research Group Neuroinflammation and Autoimmunity

At the Neuroimmunology research group, we explore the intricate connections between lipid metabolism, immune function, and neurodegenerative diseases. Our research focuses on understanding how lipid dysregulation contributes to neuroinflammation and conditions like Alzheimer's disease, aiming to identify new therapeutic targets and biomarkers. We also investigate the role of autoimmune factors in neurological and psychiatric disorders, studying autoantibodies, immunosuppressive strategies for conditions like myasthenia gravis, and the impact of the thymus on autoimmunity.

Through cutting-edge science and clinical collaboration, we strive to transform research into innovative diagnostics and treatments that improve patient care.

Our Research Lines

Role of Structural Lipids and their Transporters in Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Targeting Lipids to Diagnose and Treat disease.

Recent studies highlight the role of lipids in inflammation in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The metabolism of certain lipids could be pathologically changed and thereby be part of the early disease process. The candidate’s group aims to understand the effect of membrane lipid dysregulation in disease onset and progression. Current knowledge supports the hypothesis that targeting this pathway may be beneficial by slowing down or even stop the progression of the disease. Several putative treatment strategies have been tested in my team, which demonstrate that modulation of this lipid pathway can modify AD pathophysiology in animal models. We plan to clarify the molecular pathways involved to fine-tune our targeting strategy in the next year/years; additionally, also exploring the possibility that some of these lipids can serve as biomarkers of neurodegenerative/neuropsychiatric diseases.

Autoimmune factors in Neurological, Psychiatric and Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Improvement of Diagnosis and Treatment.

Recent findings have revealed that autoantibodies have a pathogenic role in subgroups of patients in neuropsychiatric disorders, including data shown by the candidate’s group. Currently, improved diagnosis and treatment strategies are being analyzed for this new type of autoimmune disorders of the CNS. The candidate group’s work clearly shows, however, that known autoantibodies present in autoimmune encephalitis are not present in chronic patients with psychotic disorders. Currently, we are investigating other mental disorder groups.  Additionally, efforts are being made to understand the role of autoimmune antibodies against specific targets, e.g. at the neuromuscular junction or brain synapses. In this research line, new strategies for immunosuppression are being explored. Moreover, the role of the thymus in autoimmunity is currently a focus from this research line for the next years since MUMC+ is a center of excellence for thymectomies, a standard intervention for treating MG patients. Finally, new animal models of autoimmunity are being developed.

Key Collaborators

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