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Utrecht's research on immunology is connective and groundbreaking on multiple fronts. Connective because researchers work from various angles and research lines: viral and bacterial infections, autoimmunity, and cancer. Groundbreaking because, from these four themes, Utrecht has in recent years produced pioneering research lines, resulting in leading national and international networks. To foster cross-pollination, they come together in the thematic community of Immunology. We speak with Professor Jurgen Kuball and Associate Professor Esther Nolte-’t Hoen, chair and vice-chair of the newly founded community.

"In the thematic community, research converges in the areas of viral and bacterial infections and defense against them, autoimmunity, and cancer immunity," begins Kuball. "That sounds like a lot, but there are very clear cross-links," adds Nolte-’t Hoen. Both agree that the name of the community doesn't yet fully cover its breadth. "Even though there's a thematic boundary, we're by no means a closed box," Kuball says. The community stands for building bridges between themes. A first task for the community is getting to know each other.

Kuball cites his own field of research, cancer immunology, as an example. "This was always a kind of 'sleeping beauty' in Utrecht and is now a crucial part of the Life Sciences landscape in the region. Thanks to the development of new immunotherapies, allowing patients previously considered incurable to now be cured, it has become an essential part of our research and how we treat cancer." Nolte-’t Hoen's research in cellular communication and infectious diseases has a similar breadth. "My expertise is extracellular vesicles. These are about 100-nanometer communication units through which cells send a collection of messages to each other," she explains. In this growing research area, Utrecht stands out. "We're discovering more and more about cellular communication, which can be applied to various aspects of immunity and infection." It's clear that the breadth of research demands strong interdisciplinary collaboration.

Being known and found is the first gain for the community

"Within my research, we collaborate with many disciplines," Nolte-’t Hoen explains. "If we want to use extracellular vesicles for diagnostics or therapy, we must reliably detect, characterize, and even manipulate them." Collaborations with experts in 'omics' analysis of proteins, genetic material, and liposome technology are indispensable. "Those experts need to know and find each other. It starts with getting the information provision for our researchers in order," she says. "Being known and found is the first gain for the community," Kuball agrees.

Kuball describes the breadth of the community as follows: "Viral and bacterial infections, cancer, and autoimmunity can be seen as a sliding scale of how an immune system functions. Sometimes the immune system needs a different intensity, sometimes a different focus, but this is precisely the connecting element." Understanding this dynamic can lead to crucial breakthroughs. Whether we want to release the brakes on the immune system to fight cancer cells more effectively, or put a brake on overactive reactions in autoimmune diseases, the interconnectedness offers a wealth of opportunities for research and therapeutic development.

To actually translate innovative research into applications that benefit patients, early attention to intellectual property is also essential. Kuball emphasizes, "Many researchers don't see that at the beginning of your research you need to look carefully at where you're heading, how you'll quickly test it, and in which environment. For that, you need patents." In this respect, there's a strong need for professional support. This includes not only help in developing innovations but also support from experts in patents, licensing, and business development. A larger community also gives more impact in this area. "Additionally, we must be careful not to rush to application," warns Nolte-’t Hoen. "The isolation and characterization of extracellular vesicles is an example. If we can't do it reliably and reproducibly, it's clinically irrelevant."

The immunology community in Utrecht is actively involved in a wide range of research projects focused on unraveling the secrets of the immune system. From developing cell and gene therapies for cancer to deep research into viral and bacterial infections and autoimmune diseases. Kuball emphasizes the universal importance of these initiatives: "We have ongoing projects that we expect to provide valuable insights, regardless of the age of the patients. Whether someone is 16, 22, or 72, the knowledge and treatments we develop apply across age groups. This underlines the value of collaboration and knowledge exchange to develop effective therapies usable for a wide range of patients." With this multitude of ongoing projects, the immunology community in Utrecht remains dynamic, focused on progress and innovation.

In building the immunology community, the focus is on creating group identity and cohesion. "We are a community in progress," concludes Kuball. The establishment of the new immunology community within the Utrecht Life Sciences landscape is an exciting development. By striving for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing, the community has everything to play a pioneering role in the future of immunological research in Utrecht and beyond.