dr. V.R. (Valerie) Pouwels-Wiersma

I work on various projects, all with a central role for glycosylation, immunotherapy, immunology and cancer. Among the main projects are:

The role of glycosylation in CAR T cell therapy
Glycans are post-translational sugar modifications that have important roles in cell signalling and communication, among others impacting on the immune response. We aim to determine how glycans on CAR T cells impact on their efficacy. This knowledge is exploited to adapt the glycosylation profiles of CAR T cells to improve CAR T cell efficacy. Funded by: NWO, ZonMw, KRF

Targeting glycosylation in Lymphoma and Leukemia
Cancer cells commonly express a different glycosylation profile as compared to their healthy counterparts. These differences may contribute to cancer progression, immune evasion and chemoresistance. By characterizing the aberrant glycan profiles, we aim to develop novel therapeutic strategies as well as potential biomarkers for the treatment of Lymphoma and Leukemia.
Funded by: NWO, ZonMw, KWF

Glycan aberrations in Haematological Auto-Immune Disease
Auto-immunity is caused by a lack of self-tolerance, inducing an immune response towards own, healthy tissue. Differences and/ or changes in glycosylation may lead to the generation of neoepitopes, triggering an immune response. We aim to investigate the tole of glycan changes in diseases like AIHA and ITP.
Funded by: Tekke Huizinga Fonds