New Immunosuppressives - Identification and development of new classes of immunosuppressive compounds and discovery of new key proteins involved in the T and B-cell activation

From 01-10-2012 to 30-09-2016

Description

Identification and development of new classes of immunosuppressive compounds and discovery of new key proteins involved in the T and B-cell activation 

Immunosuppressive drugs are used for both solid organ transplantation and the treatment of immune disorders such as autoimmune diseases (arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis…) or allergies. Despite their success, however, currently used immunosuppressives exhibit important toxic side effects due to their necessary chronic use. 

The majority of the marketed immunosuppressive drugs control the activity of the T-cells but more and more pieces of evidence describe the B-cells as another key-player in the pathogenesis of various immune disorders. Therefore B-cells are interesting targets to develop new drugs. Currently, only a few molecules against B-cells, and mainly biologics, are under development. Moreover in the specific field of transplantation, no new medication has been approved in the first decade of the new millennium (Vincenti F, 2008). 

The aim of the IVAP-IS knowledge platform is to build a pipeline of new immunosuppressive drugs targeting T-cells and/or B-cells with a better efficacy and less toxic effects. The pipeline will contain several candidates at different stage of early development. We aim to bring at least one class of compound to the stage of preclinical proof of concept with elucidated mechanism of action.

Team

• Yves Moreau, Co-promoter
• Thierry Louat, Co-promoter (External)
• Jean Herman, Co-promoter (External)
• Lieven Thorrez, Co-promoter
• Piet Herdewijn, Promoter (External)
• Inge Thijs, Team member

Financing

Funding: KU Leuven - Internal Funding KU Leuven

Program/Grant Type: IOF - IOF-mandaten: Postdoctoral Fellowships