Pathophysiology of ANCA-associated vasculitis

ANCA-associated vasculitis is a rare disease mediated by autoreactive antibodies and B cells. At present it is unclear how B cell autoreactivity emerges or how the autoimmune response underlying disease flares is (re)activated. An important aim of our research on ANCA-associated vasculitis is to provide new insights into these questions.

Studies into the pathophysiology of ANCA-associated vasculitis

As the presence of disease-specific auto-antibody responses and the efficacy of B cell targeting therapies indicate a pivotal role for B cells in disease pathogenesis in several rheumatic diseases the overall focus of the research performed in the laboratory of experimental rheumatology is given to the role of autoreactive B cells in 4 rheumatic diseases: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic Scleroderma and ANCA vasculitis. To improve care and treatments for people with these rheumatic diseases, it is crucial to understand the processes underlying disease pathogenesis. The aim of the research performed in the context of ANCA-associated vasculitis is to understand how autoreactivity underlying ANCA-vasculitis is generated and how this autoimmune response is reactivated leading to disease flares.

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Studies into the pathophysiology of ANCA-associated vasculitis

As the presence of disease-specific auto-antibody responses and the efficacy of B cell targeting therapies indicate a pivotal role for B cells in disease pathogenesis in several rheumatic diseases the overall focus of the research performed in the laboratory of experimental rheumatology is given to the role of autoreactive B cells in 4 rheumatic diseases: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic Scleroderma and ANCA vasculitis. To improve care and treatments for people with these rheumatic diseases, it is crucial to understand the processes underlying disease pathogenesis. The aim of the research performed in the context of ANCA-associated vasculitis is to understand how autoreactivity underlying ANCA-vasculitis is generated and how this autoimmune response is reactivated leading to disease flares.

In the latter context, the potential interaction of the ANCA-vasculitis specific autoimmune response with staphylococcus aureus is investigated. To understand the induction and reactivation of the ANCA-vasculitis autoimmune response a state-of-the-art toolbox has been developed allowing the identification, isolation, and characterization of autoreactive B cells and the antibodies they produce.    

The research is performed in a collaborative and multidisciplinary fashion with several other departments and the “expert centre for Lupus, Vasculitis and complement-mediated diseases (LUVaCs; Expertisecentrum voor Lupus, Vasculitis en Complement gemedieerde systeemziekten).

Our team members

Coordinating Scientists:

  • Dr Hans Ulrich Scherer
  • Dr Diane van der Woude
  • Dr Onno Teng (dept. Of Nephrology)

Scientific Staff

  • Prof. Dr Tom W. J. Huizinga
  • Prof. Dr Rene E. M. Toes
  • Dr Karin van Schie
  • Dr Sanne Kampstra
  • Linda Slot, Msc
  • Renee van de Wetering, Msc