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

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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

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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

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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.