Infection immunology

In the coming years, great challenges ahead are large-scale analysis of proteins and their interactions, with the aim of identifying biomarkers of protective immunity, surrogate markers of disease (course) or potential targets for immune intervention. Here we focus on tropical diseases like tuberculosis, leprosy but also COVID19. Our research is closely related to research in biomarker profiles of tuberculosis within the EU as well as in several African countries.

Beat-COVID platform

In the BEAT-COVID consortium, 13 LUMC departments have worked together since the beginning of the pandemic to better understand the coronavirus and the response of our immune system. The first results from the BEAT-COVID team have been published in Nature Immunology, and many results will follow in the coming months.

Stem cell transplantation for adult patients with a primary immunodeficiency

The Expert Center for Rare Inherited Immunodeficiencies and Stem Cell Transplantation aims for the top in performing its core activities targeting paediatric and adult patients with primary immunodeficiencies, including diagnostics, treatment, innovation in care, (translational) research and education. Within the Expert Center, the department of Infectious Diseases in collaboration with the departments of Haematology (adults) and Paediatrics has set up an allogeneic stem cell transplantation program for adult patients with severe primary immunodeficiencies, like chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) or common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) with severe non-infectious complications. On average 2 to 3 patients per year are transplanted in this program, with referrals to our center by hospitals nationwide.

HIV

HIV is a viral infection which impairs the immune system. Fortunately, very good treatments exist which suppress viral replication with very few adverse events. Nevertheless, since curation is not possible yet, treatment of HIV requires intensive and long-term management by dedicated HIV nurses and Infectious Diseases consultants (internist-infectiologists). Five ID consultants and two HIV nurses are working at the LUMC. Through successful treatment, mortality from HIV infection and opportunistic infections has decreased significantly over the last decades.

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HIV is a viral infection which impairs the immune system. Fortunately, very good treatments exist which suppress viral replication with very few adverse events. Nevertheless, since curation is not possible yet, treatment of HIV requires intensive and long-term management by dedicated HIV nurses and Infectious Diseases consultants (internist-infectiologists). Five ID consultants and two HIV nurses are working at the LUMC. Through successful treatment, mortality from HIV infection and opportunistic infections has decreased significantly over the last decades.

The care for patients with HIV is organized in HIV treatment centers with a multidisciplinary approach, involving many other specialists such as medical microbiologists, virologists, psychiatrists, neurologists and dermatologists.

Our department participates in national research into drug treatment and vaccination studies for persons living with HIV. Our hospital is also a referral center for the counseling of pregnant HIV patients.

Respiratory viral infections

Respiratory infections are among the most common infectious diseases worldwide. Fortunately, these infections are most often mild and self-limiting. However, respiratory viral infections in individuals with an impaired host response may lead to tissue damage and severe disease. This impaired host response is present in classical immunocompromised patients, e.g. patients with a solid organ transplant. In addition, host response may be impaired in older individuals or in patients who have undergone major surgery.

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Respiratory infections are among the most common infectious diseases worldwide. Fortunately, these infections are most often mild and self-limiting. However, respiratory viral infections in individuals with an impaired host response may lead to tissue damage and severe disease. This impaired host response is present in classical immunocompromised patients, e.g. patients with a solid organ transplant. In addition, host response may be impaired in older individuals or in patients who have undergone major surgery.

Our research focuses on surveillance of severe acute respiratory infections, prevention, host-pathogen interaction, new treatment options and clinical outcomes.

Current study activities are:

  • Set up of SARI surveillance with RIVM
  • Respiratory viral co-infections and clinical outcomes
  • Respiratory viral infections as a risk factor for pulmonary complication after cardiac surgery (NEJM 2018)
  • Identifying the underlying mechanisms and consequences of the loss of nasal T cells in vital and frail older individuals and the association with respiratory infections
  • New diagnostic test and biomarkers for respiratory viral infections

Effectiveness of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 treatment and vaccination