Highlights IMM 2004-2008

Identification of non-responsiveness of the HPA-axis in MS patients with severe MS. (Huitinga et al. Ann. Neurol. 55 (2004) 37-45)
The first to study gene expression in different areas of MS lesions isolated by laser dissection techniques and the first to describe down regulation of immunosuppressive molecules in and around expanding MS lesions. (Koning et al. Ann. Neurol. 62 (2007) 504-514)
The first to establish a method to isolate human microglia from post mortem brain using FACS sorting.
Identification of CD200R as a marker for alternatively activated macrophages.
Identification of increased numbers of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells in the subventricular zone of MS patients.
Establishment of a DNA bank 150 MS brain donors. (Van Veen et al. J. Neuroimmunol. 190 (2007) 157-164)

Grants 2004-2008

MS 02-496:
‘OX2 receptor mediated regulation of microglia and other CNS associated macrophages in multiple sclerosis and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis’. Together with dr. R.M. Hoek, NIN.

MS 03-525:
‘The effect of the stress axis on lesion activity and severity of multiple sclerosis’.

MS 06-585:
‘GFAPdelta-posive cells in the subventricular zone of MS: activation of multipotent progenitor cells?’

Hersenstichting Nederland 14F06.24:
‘Karakterisatie van oestrogeen receptor alpha (ER-a) in MS laesies en mogelijke implicaties voor neuroprotectie.’