Research Julien Lambert

Abstract

Abstract: Role of dendritic cells in alopecia areata Alopecia areata (AA) is an inflammatory skin condition where spot-wise baldness occurs on the scalp. (alopecia totalis) or on the whole body (alopecia universalis). Both the cellular and humoral immune system play a role in this. More specific dendritic cells (DC), which take care of antigen captation and presentation, play a key role. Different treatment options are known; a frequently used therapy is contact immunotherapy with 2,3-diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP, diphencyprone). The exact mechanism of action is not yet known. With this project, we want to investigate which dendritic cells can be found in human skin, as well which ones play a specific role in the immunopathogenesis of alopecia areata and treatment of it with DPCP. For this we will include twenty alopecia areata patients and a control group. Aim 1: Identification and characterization of DC-subsets in the skin and blood of AA patients. If patients meet the criteria of our research project, a blood sample of 20 ml and two skin biopsies (diameter 3 mm) are taken of the scalp. These samples will be processed using flowcytometry and immunohistochemie to identify the different DC-subsets. As a comparison, the same protocol will be applied in a healthy control group, so we can compare the subsets in healthy persons with AA patients. Aim 2: Effect of DPCP treatment on the different DC subsets. If the treatment works, and new hair growth can be seen, we will repeat the protocol. So a new blood sample and two skin biopsies of the scalp will be taken. Again it will be processed at the laboratory following the same protocol. We want to find out if the number and the phenotype of the DC-subsets has changed.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lambert Julien

Research team(s)

• Immunology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand UZA. UA provides UZA research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lambert Julien

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This 'proof-of-concept' research is focussed on the development of innovative long-lasting and selective glucocorticoid receptor agonists for the topical treatment of skin inflammation diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Augustyns Koen
• Co-promoter: Joossens Jurgen
• Co-promoter: Lambert Julien
• Co-promoter: Maes Louis
• Co-promoter: Sobott Frank
• Co-promoter: Vanden Berghe Wim
• Co-promoter: Van Der Veken Pieter

Research team(s)

• Medicinal Chemistry (UAMC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lambert Julien

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lambert Julien

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease, which affects about 2% of the general population. Recently, it is suggetsed that it is a T-cel mediated disease. Clinical features of psoriasis vulgaris are erythematous, hyperkeratotic plaques on the extensor sides of the extremities, scalp and buttocks. About three quarters of the psoriasis patients can be treated effectively with topical therapies such as emolliantia, corticostreoids, vitamine D-derivatives and retinoids. Systemic therapy is reseverde for those with severe psoriasis. Standard, longterm therapies are psoralen+UVA (PUVA, methotrexate, acitretin and cyclosporin. New pathophysiologic insights in the underlyi,ng mechanisms of psoriasis has resulted in a boom of new biologic therapies. These new therapies are `selective immunemodulators' and aim to inhibit the immunologic component of the disease. However, the first clinic trails demonstrate moderate results. Moreover, the long term safety of these drugs have not been well documented. Biologic therapies ere very costly and cost benefit analyses have not been published yet. The availability of new psoriasis therapies is a positive development, but should also be an incentive to re-evaluate existing therapies to assess the indicvations of the new therapies. To adress these questions we used two databases (The PUVA Follow up Study and the Psoriasis Foundation surveys). We set out to evalaute the awareness, the use, satisfaction and sideeffects of FDA approved psoriasis treatments.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lambert Julien
• Fellow: Nijsten Tamarius

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lambert Julien
• Co-promoter: Vermorken Jan
• Fellow: Nijsten Tamarius

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project