Marjolein van Egmond

Inflammation and cancer 

Innate myeloid cells, such as monocytes, macrophages and granulocytes (neutrophils), play an important role in host defence against pathogens as well as tumour cells. Our research group focuses on the diverse functions of macrophages and neutrophils, which are also referred to as inflammatory cells. These are phagocytic cells that can kill pathogens and tumour cells, especially in the presence of antibodies. It is however becoming increasingly clear that innate myeloid cells can play a deleterious role when their physiological role is derailed, which can lead to severe tissue damage. Additionally, they can promote tumour growth through production of growth factors and by promoting angiogenesis. Gaining a better understanding of the role inflammatory cells play in physiological and pathological processes will help to develop novel strategies to modulate their function, as our research aims to translate pre-clinical findings into clinical applications.

Key Publications

1. Grewal S, Korthouwer R, Bögels M, Braster R, Heemskerk N, Budding AE, Pouw SM, van Horssen J, Ankersmit M, Meijerink J, van den Tol P, Oosterling SJ, Bonjer J, Gül N, van Egmond M. Spillage of bacterial products during colon surgery increases the risk of liver metastases development in a rat colon carcinoma model. Oncoimmunology 2018, in press.

2. Heineke MH, Ballering AV, Jamin A, Ben Mkaddem S, Monteiro RC, Van Egmond M. New insights in the pathogenesis of immunoglobulin A vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein purpura). Autoimmun Rev. 2017;16:1246-1253.

3. Aleyd E, Al M, Tuk CW, van der Laken CJ, van Egmond M. Immunoglobulin A immune complexes in plasma and synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis activate neutrophils via FcalphaRI and induce release of neutrophil extracellular traps. Journal of Immunology, 2016 Dec 15;197(12):4552-4559.

4. Aleyd E, Heineke MH, van Egmond M. The era of the immunoglobulin A Fc receptor FcalphaRI; its function and potential as target in disease. Immunol Rev. 2015; 268:123-38.

5. Gül N, Babes L, Siegmund K, Korthouwer R, Bögels M, Braster R, Vidarsson G, ten Hagen TL, Kubes P, van Egmond M. Macrophages eliminate circulating tumor cells after monoclonal antibody therapy. J Clin Invest. 2014;124(2):812-23.

Aleyd E, van Hout MW, Ganzevles SH, Hoeben KA, Everts V, Bakema JE, van Egmond M. IgA enhances NETosis and release of neutrophil extracellular traps by polymorphonuclear cells via Fcalphareceptor I. J Immunol. 2014 Mar 1;192(5):2374-83.

Overview of publications of Marjolein van Egmond Group: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=van+Egmond+M

Contact details: Email m.vanegmond@vumc.nl; Phone 020-4445975