Immune hypo-responsiveness Group

There is great immunological heterogeneity across populations worldwide, which cannot be accounted for by genetic differences only. It is becoming increasingly clear that environmental factors such as exposure to microorganisms and parasites as well as nutrient intake can underlie the variation seen in the immune profiles and function. Immune hypo-responsiveness manifested as reduced vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy has been seen in many rural areas of low to middle income countries.

For example, malaria vaccine or rota virus vaccine that show good efficacy in affluent regions of the world, perform poorly in low income regions.

Through the analysis of the immune system where helminth infections and malaria are endemic, it has been possible to show how the immune system is strongly modulated by relentless challenge of the immune system by these parasites. However, it has also become clear that there are additional exposures, beyond parasites, that shape the immune system. We are taking two approaches to fully understand immune hypo-responsiveness:

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For example, malaria vaccine or rota virus vaccine that show good efficacy in affluent regions of the world, perform poorly in low income regions.

Through the analysis of the immune system where helminth infections and malaria are endemic, it has been possible to show how the immune system is strongly modulated by relentless challenge of the immune system by these parasites. However, it has also become clear that there are additional exposures, beyond parasites, that shape the immune system. We are taking two approaches to fully understand immune hypo-responsiveness:

  • Which factors underlie poor immunological responses to vaccines
  • What are the characteristics of the immune cells and antibodies that are responsible for vaccine hypo-responsiveness

The research is centered around the following unique approaches:

  • Sustainable equal partnership with institutions in different geographical areas in the world
  • Cohorts residing in different geographical areas that include rural and urban settings
  • Single cell technologies that provide in depth characterization of the immunological profile and function.
  • Linking unique populations with state of the art technologies to identify immunological and metabolic pathways underlying immune and vaccine hypo-responsiveness

Themes for innovation / Societal Outreach

Key publications

Our Team members

  • Professor Maria Yazdanbakhsh
  • Dr. Erliyani Sartono, PhD
  • Dr. Mikhael Manurung, MD
  • Yoanne Mouwenda
  • Eunice Betouke Ongwe
  • Dr. Farid Kurniawan, MD
  • Dr. Dian Amaruddin, MD
  • Dr. Josiane Honkpehedji, MD
  • Dr. Jeremia Pyuza, MD
  • Rike Sonnet
  • Marloes van Dorst
  • Yvonne Kruize
  • Marion Konig

Collaborations at PARA:

  • Professor Hermelijn Smits
  • Professor Meta Roestenberg
  • Professor Ron Hokke
  • Dr. Simon Jochems
  • Dr. Bart Everts
  • Dr. Bruno Guigas
…
  • Professor Maria Yazdanbakhsh
  • Dr. Erliyani Sartono, PhD
  • Dr. Mikhael Manurung, MD
  • Yoanne Mouwenda
  • Eunice Betouke Ongwe
  • Dr. Farid Kurniawan, MD
  • Dr. Dian Amaruddin, MD
  • Dr. Josiane Honkpehedji, MD
  • Dr. Jeremia Pyuza, MD
  • Rike Sonnet
  • Marloes van Dorst
  • Yvonne Kruize
  • Marion Konig

Collaborations at PARA:

  • Professor Hermelijn Smits
  • Professor Meta Roestenberg
  • Professor Ron Hokke
  • Dr. Simon Jochems
  • Dr. Bart Everts
  • Dr. Bruno Guigas

Collaborations outside PARA:

  • Ahmed Mahfouz
  • International collaborations:
  • Professor Tanawati Supali (UI, Indonesia)
  • Professor Akim Adegnika (CERMEL, Gabon)
  • Professor Alison Elliott (UVRI, Uganda)
  • Professor Jennifer Downs (Tanzania)
  • Professor Sitti Wahyuni (UNHAS, Indonesia)