Research team
Expertise
My initial academic training was in Pharmacy, where I learned about principles related to the industry, manufacture of medicine, and human physiology. After this stage, I focused on Immunology and scientific research in order to complete my background in pharmacy. During my PhD research, I studied the role of Nitric Oxide in lymphocyte T activation after TCR engagement by antigen presentation cells. Since receiving my PhD in 2009, I have had the opportunity to work on a project related to innate lymphoid cell (ILC) immune responses in the gut. Specifically, my main work was focused in learning how ILCs perceive, integrate, and respond to environmental cues (such as microbiota) to exert their function on a novel multicellular unit orchestrated by neurotrophic factors.
Studying the novel Mrgprb2/X2-mediated signaling pathway as driver of aberrant mast cell functioning in the colon and its resulting effects on visceral hypersensitivity associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
Abstract
Mast cells are immune cells that are typically associated with allergic reactions at mucosal surfaces. Here, mast cells form operating units with sensory nerves and can contribute to sensations of itch and pain. In the context of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a frequently occurring gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abnormal pain signaling (i.e. visceral hypersensitivity), the involvement of abnormal mast cell functioning has been recognized, but the exact receptors and signaling mechanisms driving this aberrant mast cell functioning remain poorly understood. In this respect, the presence of a novel IgE-independent, 'pseudo-allergic' pathway of mast cell activation pathway in the colon, consisting of mouse Mrgprb2 and its human counterpart MRGPRX2, was recently discovered our lab. In this PhD project, I will focus on the specific role of this novel Mrgprb2/X2-mediated signaling pathway as a driver of aberrant mast cell functioning in the pathophysiology of IBS and associated visceral hypersensitivity. In this way, my PhD project might generate a novel paradigm in our understanding of IBS pathophysiology and may form a solid foundation for further studies into the therapeutic potential of this pathway in these conditions.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Timmermans Jean-Pierre
- Co-promoter: Ibiza Martinez Sales
- Fellow: Lambeets Lana
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Enteric Neuro-Immune units (eNIu) as sensors of environmental factors, their role in gut homeostasis (health and disease) and their impact on brain-gut axis physiology
Abstract
Immunological studies are crucial for the Public health, as they provide knowledge for the development of new treatments against inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. One of the major concerns in gastro-intestinal medicine is to understand how in the mucosal environment Neuro-Immune units can promote health or disease. Tackling these aspects requires genetic, cellular and molecular studies, which despite new technological progress in the last years, still remain to be elucidated. The Gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the centre of absorption and secretion, which is essential for growth, digestion, and protection against pathogenic microorganisms. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), including Ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease (CD) and Colorectal cancer (CRC) are multifactorial, heterogenous and chronic idiopathic disorders that cause inflammation of the gastro-intestinal tract, in which inadequate host-microbe relationship leads to a breakdown of intestinal homeostasis. The 'rise' of IBD and CRC in developed countries can be attributed to an increasingly ageing population, unfavourable modern dietary habits, inadequate physical exercise, environmental factors (sporadic development) or genetic factors. IBD and CRC are considered to be the wound that will never heal. Both diseases are characterised by a long chronic inflammatory pathology, and treatment strategies focuses on immune suppressive drugs that target cytokines and their receptor1, chemical elimination or surgery, although these treatments are not curative. Recently, it was reported that there is a probable connection between cancer, IBD and tissue repair, although the phenotypes of cellular pathology could diverge in some minor details. Nevertheless, the greater challenge remains particularly to target patients who do not respond or who lose response to treatment. To improve therapeutic design and implement new effective treatments of IBD and CRC, it will thus be necessary to increase the knowledge of how intestinal barrier homeostasis is supported by the microenvironment, constituting of stromal cells, and Neuro-Immune units. My future independent research is focused on Enteric Neuro-Immune units (eNIu) as sensors of environmental factors, their role in gut homeostasis (health and disease) and their impact on brain-gut axis physiology. The main aim is to understand how different environments imprint on eNIu to induce inflammation or health/repair, and to identify the local inter- and intra-cellular networks and connections with the central nervous system (CNS). This work will shed light on enteric Neuro-Immune units during IBD, opening new and personalised therapy opportunities for fibrosis associated to resistant IBD or to UC-CRC, and CRC patients.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Ibiza Martinez Sales
- Fellow: Ibiza Martinez Sales
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Role of enteric Neuro-Immune units in mucosal homeostasis.
Abstract
One of the major concerns in gastro-intestinal medicine is to understand how in the mucosal environment Neuro-Immune units can promote health or disease. Tackling these aspects requires genetic, cellular and molecular studies, which despite new technological progress in the last years, still remain to be elucidated. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are considered to be the wound that will never heal, which is characterized by a long chronic inflammatory pathology, and treatment strategies focuses on immune suppressive drugs or surgery, although these treatments are not curative. Nevertheless, the greater challenge remains particularly to target patients who do not respond or who lose response to treatment. To improve therapeutic design and implement new effective treatments of IBD, it will thus be necessary to increase the knowledge of how intestinal barrier homeostasis is supported by the microenvironment, constituting of stromal cells, and Neuro-Immune units. The main aim is to understand how different environments imprint on eNIU to induce inflammation or health/repair, and to identify the local inter- and intra-cellular networks and connections with the central nervous system.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Ibiza Martinez Sales
- Fellow: Van Haver Jasper
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project