Dr Marc Veldhoen

Country: Portugal

Institution: Instituto Medicina Molecular | Joâo Lobo Antunes

Research Areas: Infection and Immunology

Lab Website:  https://imm.medicina.ulisboa.pt/en/investigacao/labs/veldhoen-marc-lab

Epithelial barrier sites such as the skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal tract, form a physical interface between our bodies and external environments. In addition to creating a physical impediment to pathogens, epithelial barriers include a diverse mix of immune cells, forming a first line of defense against invading pathogens.

Our laboratory studies the role that cells of the immune system play at the initiation, modulation and resolution of immune responses at epithelial barrier sites as well as the homeostatic control of epithelial cells with a strong focus on T cell biology. These studies provide insights into the mechanisms that control the maintenance, activation and function of immune cells located or enriched at mucosal surfaces such as the intestine, ultimately contributing to the prevention of undesirable immune responses that may result in chronic infections, allergies, autoimmunity and an increased risk of cancer.