Karin Strijbis

Dr. Karin Strijbis is an Associate Professor of Mucosal Infection Biology at Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology. Since 2023, she has served as the head of the Infection Biology group. Her research focuses on host-microbe interactions at mucosal surfaces, particularly examining how bacteria interact with mucins in the intestinal tract, respiratory system, and vagina.

Dr. Strijbis' research interests span multiple interconnected fields:

• Mucosal immunity and host defense mechanisms at mucosal surfaces
• Interactions between commensal and pathogenic bacteria with mucins
• Role of transmembrane mucins (MUC1, MUC3, MUC4, MUC13, MUC17) in health and disease
• Impact of microbiota on inflammatory bowel disease and cancer development
• Mechanisms of bacterial invasion and immune responses at mucosal barriers

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on understanding how mucins form protective barriers against pathogens while maintaining homeostasis with commensal bacteria. Key research themes include the role of MUC13 in regulating intestinal barrier function, the impact of vaginal microbiota (particularly Prevotella timonensis) on HIV transmission, and how mucin domains protect against viral infections like SARS-CoV-2. Her work combines advanced cell culture models with molecular and biochemical approaches to dissect host-microbe interactions at mucosal surfaces.

Dr. Strijbis has secured significant research funding, including:

• An ERC Starting Grant (2020-2025) to investigate how bacteria-mucin interactions impact health and disease of the intestinal tract
• An ERC Proof of Concept Grant (2022-2024) to develop a mucinase-based biological to enhance cancer treatment
• A ZonMW-TOP Grant (2019-2024) on the impact of vaginal microbiota on HIV transmission
• OneHealth funding (2020-2022) to establish intestinal and lung primary models from different animal species

Her research group employs advanced primary intestinal, respiratory, and vaginal infection models to study pathogenic and commensal bacteria including Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Prevotella species, Mannheimia haemolytica, Campylobacter jejuni, EHEC, Lactobacilli, and Bifidobacteria. The lab investigates changes in the mucus layer during inflammatory bowel disease and the functions of mucins in bacteria-induced inflammation during carcinogenesis.