Four VIDI-grants for Amsterdam institute for Infection and Immunity researchers

Amsterdam institute for Infection and Immunity (AII) researchers Sarah Derks, Lieuwe Bos, Joep Grootjans and Elena Rampenelli have been awarded with a VIDI-grant by the Dutch Research Council (Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, NWO). This VIDI-grant, which can be up to 800,000 euros, is intended for talented researchers who focus on innovative research and who have been conducting successful research for a number of years. The grant will enable the researchers to develop an innovative line of research over the next five years and further expand their own research group.

From top to bottom and from left to right: Sarah Derks, Lieuwe Bos, Joep Grootjans and Elena Rampanelli.

Stomach-esophageal cancers as conductors of the immune system

Dr. S. (Sarah) Derks, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam UMC – location VUmc

Stomach-esophageal cancer cells are champions in suppressing the immune system, a significant reason why immunotherapy and chemoradiotherapy often do not work. Dr. Derks investigates the way in which these cancer cells deactivate nearby immune cells. She uses this knowledge in the REACT study to test new immune-stimulating therapies in tumor models derived from patients.

Navigating treatment effects using a biological compass in patients with an acute lung attack

Dr. L.D.J. (Lieuwe) Bos, Inflammatory Diseases and Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC – location AMC

Approximately 1 in 3 people who experience an acute lung attack succumb to it. Currently, there is no effective treatment available. One of the reasons for this is that it is not yet known which medication-induced changes in the body are beneficial and which are not. In this project, Dr. Bos investigates which changes lead to fewer fatalities and how this knowledge can be used to improve research and provide personalized treatments.

Immune cells in the abdominal cavity promote cancer cells

Dr. J. (Joep) Grootjans, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam UMC – Location AMC

Colorectal cancer that has metastasized to the peritoneum responds poorly to treatment, leading to the death of many patients. It is known that immune cells in the abdominal cavity contribute to the growth of cancer cells. In this project Dr. Grootjans will investigate whether suppressing these immune cells can improve the response to treatment.

A natural metabolite for treating diabetes

Dr. E. (Elena) Rampanelli, Inflammatory Diseases, Amsterdam UMC – Location AMC

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2 is increasing every year, making these chronic conditions an increasingly significant health problem. Inflammation and dysfunction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas play a central role in the development of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Dr. Rampanelli's research group has discovered a naturally occurring metabolite that is secreted by bacteria in the gut, which promotes the function of beta cells while also reducing inflammation. The ultimate goal of this study is to investigate whether this metabolite can be used as a natural therapeutic agent to mitigate the progression of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Read the full release on the NWO website (Vidi 2022 | NWO).