dr. W.H. (Wayel) Abdulahad

My post doctoral research over the past years has focused on investigating the phenotype and function of pathogenic T-cells and B cells in several autoimmune diseases in order to identify new biomarkers / targets for therapeutic intervention. I am actively involved as investigator or co-investigator for several projects as summarized below:

• Research title: RELapses prevENTion in chronic autoimmune disease: common mechanisms and co-morbidities (RELENT)Name of coordinating person: Prof.Dr. R. Kain & Dr. E. BrouwerFunding: NIHAim: to shed light on the course and mechanisms of diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis, and to develop improved diagnostics and intervention strategies with the expected impact of delaying the onset of chronic autoimmune diseases
• Research title: A mechanistic study focusing on effector T-cell subsets and regulatory B- and T-cells upon rituximab treatment in AAV-patients (RAVE-study)Name of coordinating person: Prof.Dr. C. Kallenberg & Dr. W. AbdulahadFunding: Immune Tolerance Network (ITN/NIH).Aim: to test the hypothesis that rituximab treatment in AAV eliminates not only the humoral autoimmune response but also the cellular part, so inducing tolerance to the autoantigens.
• Research title: Infectious triggers of chronic autoimmunity (INTRICATE).Name of coordinating person: Prof.Dr. R. Kain, Prof.Dr. C. Kallenberg & Prof.Dr. P. HeeringaFunding: European Commission under the 7th Framework ProgrammeAim: to find out the links between infections and autoimmune diseases.
• Research title: Immunomodulation of TEM cells as a novel treatment for systemic vasculitisName of coordinating person: Dr. W. Abdulahad & Prof.Dr. P. HeeringaFunding: Dutch Arthritis FoundationAim: To determine whether selective targeting of CD4+TEM via blockade of Kv1.3 channels is a novel, specific and less harmful therapeutic strategy for AAV.
• Research title: Potential role of MAIT cells in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitisName of coordinating person: Dr. L. Brouwer & Dr. W. AbdulahadFunding: Janssen-Cilag B.V.Aim: To determine whether the presence of MAIT cells is associated with different stages of ankylosing spondylitis.
• Research title: MicroRNA profiling of T cells in ANCA-associated vasculitis, insight in pathogenesis and monitoring of disease Name of coordinatingperson: Dr. JS. Sander & Prof.Dr. P. HeeringaFunding: Dutch Kidney FoundationAim: To investigate the impact of specific microRNAs in TReg cell function in AAV-patients
• Research title: ANCA associated vasculitis is a relapsing disease; the role of regulatory B cellsName of coordinating person: Dr. A. Rutgers & Prof.Dr. P. HeeringaFunding: Dutch Arthritis FoundationAim: To better understand the role of regulatory B cells in disease pathogenesis and to better predict disease flares in order to individualize treatment
• Research title: Abatacept treatment in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome: an open label studyName of coordinating person: Prof. Dr. H. Bootsma, and Dr. P.M. MeinersFunding: Bristol Myers Squibb, Rueil Malmaison, France.Aim: to evaluate the efficacy and safety of abatacept treatment in 15 patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome.
• Research title: Which B cells are responsible for initiation of Sjögren’s Syndrome?Name of coordinating person: Prof. Dr. C.G.M. Kallenberg and Prof. Dr. N. BosFunding: Dutch Arthritis FoundationAim: to delineate which B cells are the initiating cells in onset of primary Sjögren’s Syndrome.