Jo Van Ginderachter

Jo Van Ginderachter is a leading Professor at Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Lab Director of the Myeloid Cell Immunology team at VIB (Center for Inflammation Research). With extensive expertise in macrophage biology, tumour immunology, and nanobody applications, he has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and 4 book chapters. His research focuses on characterizing tumour-associated macrophages and dendritic cells, particularly through nanobody-mediated imaging and therapeutic interventions.

• Current grants explore tumour-associated macrophage dynamics and nanobody-based cancer therapies.

Research Interests

Van Ginderachter's work spans several interconnected fields:

• Macrophage Activation: Investigating polarization states and functional diversity in tumour contexts.
• Nanobody Technology: Developing novel imaging agents and therapeutic conjugates.
• Tumor Microenvironment: Understanding immune cell interactions and metabolic adaptations.
• Immunotherapy Enhancement: Strategies to reprogram immunosuppressive cells.

Key recent publications show a trend toward precision targeting of immune cells in cancers, including CD163-specific tracers, IL1R2+ regulatory T cell depletion, and epigenomic reprogramming of monocytes. His collaborative efforts with institutions like Nature Neuroscience and Cell Metabolism journals highlight his interdisciplinary approach.

Lab Leadership

As head of the Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, he oversees advanced projects in single-cell profiling, nanogel drug delivery, and immunometabolism. His team frequently contributes to high-impact preclinical studies that bridge basic immunology with translational oncology.