معرفی
Thomas Balligand is a researcher at the Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences, with significant contributions in immunology, virology, and nanobody engineering. His work spans both basic and translational research, focusing on novel therapeutic strategies against influenza viruses and cancer. He has strong collaborative ties with institutions such as Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Research Interests: Dr. Balligand's research is centered on the development of nanobody-based therapeutics. He investigates how engineered nanobodies—often derived from alpacas—can neutralize influenza viruses by targeting conserved regions like the hemagglutinin stem or immunoglobulin light chains. His work also extends to cancer immunotherapy, where he explores CAR NK cells armed with nanobodies targeting MICA+ tumors. Additionally, he contributes to structural studies of receptor mutants involved in oncogenesis, such as the thrombopoietin receptor.
Publication Trends: Over the past decade, his research output has increasingly focused on engineered biologics for disease intervention. The most recent publications (2023–2025) highlight dual-function therapeutics, in vivo imaging tools, and structural insights into receptor activation. These works appear in high-impact journals such as Science Immunology, PNAS, and eLife, indicating strong scientific recognition.
Scientific Awards:
- No specific awards are listed in the provided text.
Advising and Grants: While no formal students are listed, his involvement in a doctoral thesis suggests mentorship activity. His research is likely supported by grants related to virology, immunology, and translational medicine, given the nature of his projects and institutional affiliations.
Labs and Teams: Dr. Balligand is part of a collaborative network involving the Ploegh lab (known for nanobody and immune engineering) and works with teams specializing in molecular imaging, cancer immunotherapy, and structural biology. His use of congenic mouse models and PET imaging indicates access to advanced preclinical research infrastructure.
