Skin Immunology & Immune tolerance (SKIN)
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MSCA-22-Kortekaas01
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Beschrijving van het project
The Skin Immunology & Immune Tolerance Research Group (SKIN) has the unique combination of two interacting groups; the clinical and the translational research group. The clinical research focusses on clinically relevant research questions and improved treatments for the patients. Experimental in vitro research is being performed at the SKIN-lab (VUB). Access to the patients in the clinic and research questions that are closely connected to the patients makes the research highly translational.
The SKIN research group has experiences with industry-sponsored clinical trials, academical studies and healthcare management projects. Recruitment of patients, clinical diagnosis, patient characterization and sampling is covered by the clinical team at the Department of Dermatology. Main research topics are:
- Allergy & Clinical Immunology: Skin immunology in allergic and/or inflammatory skin disorders
- Wounds & Surgery: Healing of chronic wounds, epidemiology and classification of scars
- Ageing & Esthetics: Laser treatment of scars
- Health Care Management: Evaluation of standardization processes in the clinic
For in vitro experimental lab work, we perform cell cultures of primary human cells and 3D skin equivalents, immunoassays, immunofluorescence/histology, western blot, flow cytometry and mouse models. The translational research focusses on:
- Functional characterization of skin cells for immunomodulatory capacities
- Development of preclinical (3D) models of eczema and autoimmunity
- Evaluation of the therapeutic potential of (novel) treatments in preclinical models
We have collaborating partners within the ‘Immunology Network’ at the VUB as well as international collaboration partners to unite forces within the field of Immunology. The SKIN research group also has (inter)national collaborations with recognized research groups. We are represented as board members in scientific committees and we have experience with organization of public symposia, press-releases, conferences and interviews.
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SKIN Research Group
Prof J. Gutermuth is Department Chair and Principal Investigator. The Skin Immunology & Immune Tolerance Research Group includes two intensively interacting groups; the Clinical Research group and the Translational Research group.
Dr. Inge Kortekaas Krohn (post-doc) coordinates the research projects and laboratory experiments and she is (co-)supervisor of the PhD/Master students. The experiments are carried out by Dr. Inge Kortekaas Krohn, Fariza Badloe (PhD-student) and Master students of Biomedical Sciences.
Dr. Martine Grosber is Head of Clinic at the Department of Dermatology and responsible for the coordination of clinical studies. Recruitment of subjects will be done by the members of the Clinical Research group, as well as clinical diagnosis, patient characterization and sampling. Dr. Samira Baharlou is Head of Ageing & Esthetics, including anti-ageing, laser and lift therapy.
Clinical and Translational Research is highly integrated in our department. As part of the training for Dermatologist, the Residents will complete a research project and a peer-reviewed publication within this time frame. Research project can be performed at our department (UZ Brussel/VUB) or in collaboration with our national or international partners.