Vidi Grants Awarded to Four Researchers from the Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases

The awarded projects showcase the diversity and impact of research within AI&I, ranging from improving cancer immunotherapy and protecting children against antibiotic resistance, to tackling inflammation in chronic diseases and overcoming therapy resistance in leukemia. These grants not only recognize individual excellence but also strengthen the research landscape at Amsterdam UMC.

Meet the AI&I Vidi Laureates

Iosifina Foskolou – Adapting Cellular Energy Programs to Improve Cancer Immunotherapies

T cells are key defenders of the immune system, capable of recognizing and attacking viruses and cancer cells. In the lab, T cells can be engineered to target cancers that evade the immune system. While this approach is effective for blood cancers, it is less successful against solid tumors, which often lack sufficient nutrients and oxygen for T cells to function optimally. Foskolou’s research aims to enhance these therapies by enabling T cells to utilize alternative energy sources, helping them remain active within tumors.

Vanessa Harris – Can Gut Bacteria Protect Babies Against Diarrhea and Antibiotic Resistance?

Young children in low-income countries frequently suffer from severe diarrhea and infections that are difficult to treat with antibiotics. Harris’s research has shown that E. coli, a common gut bacterium, is increasingly found in the guts of children after their first year of life in these settings and contributes to antibiotic resistance. By analyzing data from 1,600 African babies, conducting clinical studies, and using computer models, Harris investigates whether modifying E. coli in the gut can reduce diarrhea and lower the risk of infections with antimicrobial resistance. risk. Harris is excited about the potential of her project, ‘My major aim in this work is to develop microbiome therapies and vaccines that can protect children who are the most vulnerable from bacterial diarrhea and infections with antimicrobial resistance.’

Marten Hoeksema – Tackling Inflammation by Targeting MAF Proteins

Macrophages are crucial inflammatory cells found throughout the body. Hoeksema previously discovered that MAF proteins binding to DNA are essential for activating inflammatory genes in macrophages. However, the mechanisms behind these inflammatory programs remain unclear. Hoeksema’s project aims to identify which MAF proteins drive excessive inflammation. By specifically targeting these proteins, it may become possible to regulate macrophage responses and combat inflammatory diseases.

Rachel Thijssen – Identifying the Achilles’ Heel of Leukemia Cells

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a severe form of blood cancer with a poor prognosis. While venetoclax has improved treatment effectiveness, resistance almost always develops and the disease returns. Researchers are now using advanced techniques to analyze the properties of individual leukemia cells and understand how they survive this therapy. The aim is to find strategies to prevent resistance. This project seeks to use these insights to develop a new combination therapy with venetoclax that will eliminate leukemia cells and improve survival rates for AML patients.

About the NWO Talent Program

The Vidi grant, awarded annually by NWO, supports talented researchers who have already conducted successful postdoctoral research and are ready to pursue innovative research directions. The Vidi is part of NWO’s Talent Program, alongside the Veni and Vici grants.

AI&I congratulates all Vidi laureates and looks forward to the breakthroughs their research will bring.