Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disabling autoimmune disease with an unknown aetiology. The van Egmond and van Baarsen labs both work on unique research angles to better understand the pathophysiology of RA, which now come together in this project.
The van Baarsen lab is the only group in the world where lymph node (LN) biopsies from healthy individuals and patients with or at risk of inflammatory arthritis (IA) are collected and studied. They observed a high number of infiltrating neutrophils in lymph nodes of patients diagnosed with RA.
The van Egmond lab investigates the activation of neutrophils by (auto-)antibodies, and demonstrated that particularly antibodies of the IgA isotype potently activate neutrophils, and induce neutrophil migration. The finding that the presence of IgA autoantibodies predates clinical onset of disease has sparked interest for IgA in the rheumatology research field. Van Baarsen and van Egmond now join forces to investigate the hypothesis that IgA autoantibodies induce the recruitment of neutrophils into the lymph nodes of RA patients, which subsequently steers adaptive immune responses.
Both labs have complementarity tools to tackle this novel hypothesis. The van Baarsen lab has access to unique human samples, and the van Egmond lab recently created novel mouse models. By studying tissue samples from both early stage RA patients as well as (IgA)- autoantibody positive individuals at risk of disease, and through the use of novel and unique technologies, including spatial transcriptomics, this project aims to obtain fundamental new insights in the function of LN neutrophils and their role in RA. Ultimately, gained knowledge may lead to novel therapeutic targets to redirect skewed autoimmune responses in RA and possibly other autoimmune diseases.
The title of the project is "Lymph node neutrophils in inflammatory arthritis: the missing link between innate and adaptive autoimmunity?"
As a PhD student on this project you will:
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher with:
AMC Medical Research (AMR) is located at location AMC. AMR supports scientific research in non-profit settings. AMR provides researchers with everything they need to excel. For example, AMR offers principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders guidance in the areas of project management, finance and human resources. Legal support is also provided for medical-scientific research projects. Watch the video below for more information.
For this position, we are hiring two PhD students who will elucidate the role of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. One of them will work on location VUmc and the other will work on location AMC. Both candidates will frequently interact and collaborate in order to make the project fully translational from bench to bedside.
The two candidates will be working in an international, multidisciplinary team with young and enthusiastic researchers. The project is a joint research program between the group of Dr. Lisa van Baarsen (Amsterdam Rheumatology and immunology Centre (ARC), within the Lab of Experimental Immunology, AMC) and the group of Prof. Marjolein van Egmond (department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, VUmc). The van Egmond lab has ample experience working with human neutrophils, and has established multiple functional assays, and relevant mouse models. The van Baarsen lab has significant experience in collecting and analysing patient samples. Through the synergistic collaboration of the van Egmond and van Baarsen groups, a quick translation of pioneering scientific evidence into a clinical setting can be made.
During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely.
If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact Lisa van Baarsen, via e.g.vanbaarsen@amsterdamumc.nl.
For more information about the application procedure, please contact Rhiannon Sandfort, Recruitment Advisor, via r.e.sandfort@amsterdamumc.nl.
A reference check, screening and hiring test may be part of the procedure. Read here whether that applies to you. If you join us, we ask you for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).
Internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates in case of equal suitability.
Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.