Ongoing projects and patient cohorts

Mucosal measurements to target Mucosal therapies:

Use respiratory samples as biosensor

We use respiratory samples as biosensors, offering real-time insights into the mucosal immune response, to improve clinical decision-making in paediatric respiratory infections.

Analyzing proteins, pathogens, and immune cells in these samples unveils the dynamic interplay between host defenses and pathogens. Moreover, respiratory sampling (e.g. saliva collection) is child-friendly, unlike blood draws.

Our goal is to integrate respiratory sampling into routine practice, enhancing diagnostics and tailoring treatment for individual patients, thereby optimizing clinical care.

Identify mucosal immune-based therapies

We explore the respiratory mucosa’s immunological landscape in children to discover innovative immune-based therapies for paediatric respiratory tract infections.

These therapies aim to enhance local immune defence against respiratory pathogens.

Through a combination of preclinical studies, translational research and clinical studies including patients we strive to develop targeted interventions that improve respiratory tract infection outcomes for vulnerable children worldwide.

Use respiratory samples as biosensor

Approach

January 2019 – YTD

Comparing co-trimoxazole with placebo treatment in children with recurrent respiratory tract infections in 15 Dutch hospitals.

BCG-Corona saliva study

March 2020 – YTD

Health care workers in nine Dutch hospitals were randomised to BCG or placebo vaccination and donated blood and saliva for antibody assays.

CARE-SAFE

March 2024 – YTD

Advanced Caribbean surveillance and seasonal vaccination timing for pandemic preparedness.

CHERI-SPAR

March 2025 – YTD

Salivary Polyreactive Antibody Response in CHERI.

COVID-Kids

April 2020 – YTD

Clinical presentation, immunology, respiratory morbidity and transmission dynamics in South African children.

DIMER

March 2016 – YTD

Deficiency of Immunoglobulin A and Microbiome in Respiratory tract infections.

IMPRESS

February 2020 – October 2021

IgA Prevalence in Recurrent Respiratory tract infections.

Muco-Kids

November 2024 – YTD

Mucosal surveillance and immunology of respiratory pathogens in South African children post the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nutri-Vac

August 2018 – April 2024

Impact of nutritional status on vaccine-induced immunity in children living in South Africa.

PAGE

January 2025 – YTD

Polyreactive antibodies in saliva and serum to assess respiratory infection risk and develop novel diagnostic biomarkers.

PEER-S

January 2019 – YTD

Effects of air pollution on mucosal respiratory health.

PRINDOUT

January 2025 – YTD

Prenatal infection effects on early development: brain, cognitive and behavioural outcome.

PRISM

October 2024 – YTD

Paediatric Respiratory Infections with Systemic and Mucosal Inflammation.

Respiratory Toolbox

June 2023 – YTD

Developing and validating an innovative toolset that allows future research on the development of the mucosal immune system in the first years of life.

RISE

August 2022 – YTD

Respiratory Infections SMMC ENT.

SALIAC

March 2025 – YTD

SALiva Immunomarkers Assessment for COPD in children and adults.

VIP study

May 2012 – January 2021

Venezuela Immunisation against Pneumococci.

Identify mucosal immune-based therapies

B-HIVe study

February 2026 – YTD

B-HIVe is an innovative research project aimed at discovering and developing broad-spectrum protective antibodies derived from people living with HIV.

CURE-VIR

September 2021 – YTD

Collaborative Understanding of REpuroposed drugs for VIRal respiratory infections.

DIMEGA

March 2016 – YTD

Deficiency of Immunoglobulin A and Microbiome in Respiratory tract infections Gut Analysis.

EMINENT

January 2023 – YTD

Early Mucosal Immunity in ENT samples.

SIPAD

February 2024 – YTD

Saliva antibodies Influencing Progression of Airway Disease in Primary Antibody Deficiency.

© Copyright Lilly Verhagen