Research of the Cell Biology and Immunology Group
The aim of the research performed at CBI is to integrate fundamental knowledge on the immune system of animals and humans with applications in dietary-based immunomodulation, development of immunotherapies and vaccination strategies to maintain or improve health.
By using a comparative approach between veterinary species and humans we generate tools and novel mechanistic insights that lead to a better understanding of the immune system during health and disease. This knowledge forms the basis of immune modulation strategies that can be applied to strengthen the immune system and improve the immune mediated protection of animals and humans against infections or other environmental challenges.
Strategic plan WUR
CBI performs cell biological and immunological studies that fit (at least) one of three major research lines, which align with the research theme “Healthy and safe food for healthy lives“ and investment theme “Global One Health” from the strategic plan of Wageningen University & Research.
Research themes
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Immunomodulation by food and feed
Mucosal immunology and immune modulation by food and feed, including research on the induction of mucosal tolerance, effects of probiotics on healthy aging, and the influence of diet on the mucosal barrier in humans and animals. We want to further understand the disturbed homeostasis between the mucosal immune-system and the gut microbial content to identify potential drug targets. We work on functional translation of findings from ongoing large scale multi-omics analyses in the context of chronic intestinal diseases.
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Veterinary immunology
Veterinary immunology is the cornerstone of animal health and welfare, food security, and public health. Within the Cell Biology and Immunology group we study the function of immune cells in livestock and companion animals. A thorough understanding of these fundamental immune processes forms the basis for the development of novel immune mediated strategies to improve animal health and welfare. These strategies include modern vaccine approaches, including Virus Like Particles and mRNA vaccines, immune therapies to cure immune related diseases, and modulation of the immune system in young animals via feed interventions or in ovo vaccination.
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Immune cell dynamics
Customisable nanoparticles show great potential for imaging and advanced personalised medicine applications, such as cell therapies, immunomodulation, and cell tracking studies using multimodal imaging. Prof. Mangala Srinivas’ group works with a range of imaging modalities, incl. fluorescence, MRI, PET, SPECT, ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging in different disease models, particularly cancer and cardiovascular diseases.