Research Project

"In my project I am investigating the invasion process of Entamoeba histolytica through the intestinal tissues. For this purpose, I have established a murine organoid-derived 2D monolayer model of the small and large intestine. Immune cells and a microbiome can be added to the system to study the effects of co-incubation. Furthermore, I am characterizing different E. histolytica transfectants, which overexpress or silence a gene that is probably involved in the pathogenicity of the parasite."

Research Project

"I investigate the interaction of the parasite _Entamoeba histolytica_ with the host immune system, more specifically the involvement of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Monocytes and neutrophils in culture as well as organoids are implemented to study the immunostimulatory properties of these EVs."

Research Project

"For my project I am currently investigating the cytoadhesion of transfected Plasmodium falciparum parasites to human brain endothelial cells and different endothelial receptors. Cerebral malaria is one of the severest forms of malaria infection and still costs about half a million lives per year. It is crucial therefore to understand the interaction of this parasite and the human host more thoroughly."

Research Project

"Understanding the pathogenesis of P. falciparum infection in the context of host-parasite interaction could lead to targets for adjunctive therapies. Since cytoadhesion does not provide the full explanation for the complications associated with malaria, extracellular vesicles (EVs) as cargo from cell to cell, carrying proteins and nucleic acids, are being investigated to gain a better understanding of the interaction between parasite and host. In my project, I am investigating the transcriptomes of lung endothelial cells exposed to different stimuli occurring during P. falciparum infection in order to analyze the different profiles of tissue-specific P. falciparum infected erythrocytes communication".

Research Project

"I focus on the direct way of interaction between Plasmodium  falciparum and host endothelium, termed cytoadhesion. Besides, I am interested in one of secondary weapons of P.  falciparum, the extracellular vesicles. Characterization of these particles may help us better understand the pathogenesis of malaria infection."