The British Corona virus Mutant: "Variant of Concern"
12 Jan 2021 | Back to News, Publications and Annual Reports
The British variant of the corona virus, called Variant of Concern (VOC) 202012/01, is, as the name implies, cause for concern. This mutant is up to 70% more contagious because humans have higher virus concentrations in their noses. This mutant also seems to attach better to the cells of the airways.
Want to know all about our scientific progress in 2019?
We are pleased to present the BPRC Annual Scientific Report. It contains all the research highlights of 2019 as well as financial results and facts & figures.
Immunotherapy to treat autoimmune diseases has gained new momentum. Partly thanks to monkeys and mice, we now know more about how interleukin-2 works and how it can help patients in the future.
Each organ responds in its own way to infections and stress, but the brain in particular
16 Dec 2020 | Back to News, Publications and Annual Reports
There are cells called macrophages in almost all organs of the body. Macrophages are very skilled at recognizing infections and stress and absorbing bacteria, waste and dead cells. Macrophages develop early in the embryonic stage and then migrate to organs where they subsequently remain. The macrophages of the brain, so called microglia, are different from macrophages in other organs.
Searching for alternatives to animal testing
11 Dec 2020 | Back to News, Publications and Annual Reports
Finding alternatives to animal testing is easier said than done. We are already working on this, but during this process questions also arise: can we completely imitate everything we want to investigate in a culture dish? Which technologies are currently available; what is possible? To find even more answers to these questions, we participated in the Helpathon.
Effect of corona vaccine from KU Leuven confirmed in BPRC macaques
01 Dec 2020 | Back to News, Publications and Annual Reports
The Leuven vaccine is based on the yellow fever vaccine. This vaccine is used since 1937, making it one of the oldest and safest vaccines in the world. Scientists from KU Leuven have now converted the yellow fever vaccine in such a way that it offers protection against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Thanks to research in monkeys, HIV is no longer a death sentence
01 Dec 2020 | Back to News, Publications and Annual Reports
For 32 years it has been World AIDS Day on December 1. The day when the world takes a moment to consider the fight against AIDS, and we call for more solidarity for people with HIV and AIDS. This is still necessary because the search for a well-functioning vaccine is not over yet.