Immunology research

Our overall aim is to guide the development of vaccination strategies for vulnerable populations. We have a longstanding interest in the immunology of infectious diseases and vaccines in the mother-infant dyad. We are exploring immunity to viral infections in pregnant women and potential correlates of protection that could be targeted by vaccination. Analyzing the impact of pregnancy on vaccine induced immunity, we are investigating the components of maternal immunity transferred to the newborn and their interactions with the infant immune system. Using systems approaches, we attempt to gain a comprehensive view of vaccine-induced immunity in the mother-infant dyad to guide integrated maternal and infant vaccination strategies.

In recent years, we have initiated research projects exploring immunity to viral infections in immunocompromised populations, including elderly and transplanted patients. Using systems approaches, we are exploring correlates of protection against viral replication and disease to guide the development of vaccines. In parallel, we are attempting to understand the limitations of vaccine responses in these populations and the pathways that could be targeted by improved vaccination strategies.

Our overall aim is to guide the development of vaccination strategies for vulnerable populations. We are exploring immunity to viral infections in pregnant women and correlates of protection that could be targeted by vaccination. Analyzing the impact of pregnancy on vaccine induced immunity, we are investigating the transfer of maternal immunity to the newborn and its interaction with the infant immune system. Using systems approaches, we attempt to gain a comprehensive view of vaccine-induced immunity in the mother-infant dyad to guide integrated maternal and infant vaccination strategies. In recent years, we have initiated research projects exploring immunity to viral infections in immunocompromised populations (elderly and transplanted patients). Using systems approaches, we are exploring correlates of protection against viral replication and disease to guide the development of vaccines. In parallel, we are attempting to understand the limitations of vaccine responses in these populations and the pathways that could be targeted by improved vaccination strategies.

Arnaud Marchant, MD PhD, is an immunologist by training. He has more than 20 year’s experience in immunology of infectious diseases and vaccines at the Université libre de Bruxelles, the Medical Research Council Laboratories, The Gambia, and the Weatherall Institute for Molecular Medicine, Oxford. He was the director of the Institute for Medical Immunology, ULB, since 2015 and recently founded the European Plotkin Institute for Vaccinology in partnership with the University of Antwerp.