BioMS Centre:
UNiCA
University Neuroimmunology Center
Country: Belgium
City: Antwerp
Institution:
1. Translational Neurosciences Research Group, University of Antwerp
2. Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital
Website:
https://www.uza.be/nl/specialismen/universitair-neuro-immunologie-centrum-antwerpen-unica
www.bornbunge.be
PI/Co-PI: Prof. dr. Barbara Willekens, MD, PhD, assistant professor, barbara.willekens@uantwerpen.be
Team members:
Dr. Tatjana Reynders, MD, PhD, postdoctoral researcher, tatjana.reynders@uantwerpen.be
Dr. Judith Derdelinckx, MD, PhD, postdoctoral researcher, judith.derdelinckx@uantwerpen.be
Dr. Anna-Victoria de Keersmaecker, PhD student, anna-victoria.dekeersmaecker@uantwerpen.be
Technical support:
Bart De Vil, Engr., MSc.
Laboratory of Neurology, Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp
IBB-NeuroBiobank BB190113, Born Bunge Institute, Antwerp, Belgium
We are a young research group dedicated to clinical and translational research in MS and rare neuroimmune disorders such as NMOSD, MOGAD and Susac syndrome. Several research projects applying protein and cellular fluid biomarkers are ongoing. Among these projects are identification of antigen-specific T cells, analysis of NfL and GFAP analysis in academic clinical trials, application of proteomics to discover biomarkers of repair. Ultimately, the group aims to find diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers that can be applied in clinical trials and practice, to the benefit of our patients.