2. Fundamental Research for Animal Health and Welfare
We are specialized in studying frequencies and function of immune cells from chickens (ans also pigs and cows). We use cell based assays specific for macrohages, monocytes, dendritic cells, natural killer cells and T cells to study the effect of for example viral infections, immunomodulation or aging on the function of these immune cells in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo. Moreover, we have developed in house ELISA's to analyse protein levels of the chicken cytokines chicken IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40, and IFN-γ
By studying the fucntion of immune cells we aim to obtain a better understanding of the mechanism of action of immune cells in livestock.
We would be interested in performing studies on the immune system in relation to animal health and welfare in chickens, pigs or cows.
Within the Wageningen University and the department of Animla Sciences, the Cell biology and Immunology group aims to generate fundamental knowledge on the immune system of vertebrates. We apply this knowledge to the development of dietary-based immunomodulation, immunotherapies and vaccination strategies in order to improve health of animals and humans.
The Veterinary Immunology group studies 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.
