Immune hub

Leveraging deep expertise in clinical translation, we offer a broad range of services, including human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) isolation, cryopreservation, biobanking, and supporting clinical trials—all backed by a proven track record of success. We receive fresh blood samples from healthy controls and people living with type 1 diabetes.

Biobank

We specialize in high-quality PBMC processing, ensuring the integrity and viability of clinical samples. We also have access to fresh and cryopreserved PBMC samples, combined with clinical data from individuals with type 1 diabetes. Samples are stored in the institute's cryo facility and registered via MBioLIMS® software in the UZ/KU Leuven Biobank. Additionally, as part of the INNODIA and INNODIA HARVEST networks of immune hubs, we can request access to a diverse collection of immunological samples and data through the INNODIA iVZW, further enhancing our research capabilities.

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Read-outs

Using PBMC samples, we specialize in:

  • T cell assays
    (e.g., proliferation, suppression)
  • Neutrophil isolation and related assays
  • Immune cell interactions
    (i.e. co-culture assays)
  • Multi-parameter Flow cytometry
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Publications

Samal Bissenova, Mijke Buitinga, Markus Boesch, Hannelie Korf, Kristina Casteels, An Teunkens, Chantal Mathieu, Conny Gysemans. High-Throughput Analysis of Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Levels in Subtypes of People with Type 1 Diabetes. Biology (Basel). 2023 12(6):882.
PubMed
Chantal Mathieu, Alice Wiedeman, Karen Cerosaletti, S Alice Long, Elisavet Serti, Laura Cooney, Joan Vermeiren, Silvia Caluwaerts, Karolien Van Huynegem, Lothar Steidler, Sven Blomme, Pieter Rottiers, Gerald T Nepom, Kevan C Herold; AG019-T1D-101 Trial Investigators. A first-in-human, open-label Phase 1b and a randomised, double-blind Phase 2a clinical trial in recent-onset type 1 diabetes with AG019 as monotherapy and in combination with teplizumab. Diabetologia. 2024 67(1):27-41.
PubMed
Julie Wych, Martina Brunner, Rachel Stenson, Piotr Jaroslaw Chmura, Thomas Danne, Adrian Paul Mander, Chantal Mathieu, Colin Dayan, Thomas R Pieber. Investigating the effect of verapamil on preservation of beta-cell function in adults with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus (Ver-A-T1D): protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicentre trial. BMJ Open. 2024 14(11):e091597
PubMed

Support us

Choose to make a direct impact by contributing to a specific research project or by supporting the overarching goals of the Hippo & Friends Type 1 Diabetes Fund. 

By donating today, you enable early-career scientists to pursue groundbreaking research aimed at preventing and curing type 1 diabetes.
Every contribution moves us one step closer to breakthroughs that matter.

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