Christian joins the lab – from pain to immunity

Hey everyone! We’re excited to welcome Christian Martin to our Germinal Center Biology Lab. With his unique background in neuro-immune interactions, Christian brings a fresh perspective to our team.

From Salamanca to Utrecht

Christian started his research journey in Salamanca, Spain, after which he moved to Utrecht, exploring how nerve signals affect immune responses, particularly in knee osteoarthritis pain. His research focused on finding ways to target these nerve-immune connections for better treatments. This experience gave him a deep understanding of how the nervous and immune systems interact, shaping his approach to immunology.

Shifting the lens to immunology

Now, Christian’s attention is on FDCs – those little cells that help B cells learn to produce strong antibodies. In Balthasar Heesters’ lab, he’s investigating how we can improve FDC function to enhance B cell responses. This could lead to better vaccines and treatments for various diseases.

The big picture

Think of it like giving our immune system a boost. By understanding and improving FDC function, we might help the body fight off infections faster and more effectively. This could be a game-changer for many health issues, from flu to autoimmune diseases.

Christian’s personal flair

Outside of research, Christian has a few passions that bring him joy. He loves dancing Kizomba and Salsa (a passion shared by others in the lab as well), skills he picked up in the Netherlands. He’s also a board game enthusiast, especially Arkham Horror LCG. These activities keep him energized and curious, much like his scientific pursuits.

We’re looking forward to our first lab game night!