Every cellular transition is accompanied by a corresponding shift in metabolic demands. This intricate link between metabolism and cell state presents a unique opportunity to modulate cellular fate and promote a healing, healthy environment.
The Metabolymer research group leverages this therapeutic potential through the innovative design of metabolism-modulating polymers. Our mission is to develop a new generation of synthetic biomaterials that influence metabolic pathways to control cellular behavior, focusing on inflammation and differentiation. Our research is divided into two primary areas:
- Metabolic Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine
Graft implantation often triggers a detrimental foreign body response. To address this, we are pioneering polymers specifically designed to modulate metabolic activity and temper inflammation. Beyond controlling inflammatory responses, we aim to explore the broader regenerative potential of these biomaterials.
- Metabolic Fueling to Enhance Cancer Immunotherapy
The tumor microenvironment is highly suppressive and metabolically competitive, hindering immune cell activation. Our group develops polymer-based systems to overcome these challenges, supporting immune cell function and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Our goal is to create complementary treatments that address metabolic bottlenecks and improve patient outcomes.
Selected publications
- Ying Grace Chen, Catia Dombaxe, Anthony Richard D'Amato, Simon Van Herck, Halle Welch, Qin Fu, Sheng Zhang, Yadong Wang. Transformation of metallo-elastomer grafts in a carotid artery interposition model over a year. 2024, 309, 122598. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122598
- Yu Zhao, Yu-Qing Xie, Simon Van Herck, Sina Nassiri, Min Gao, Yugang Guo, Li Tang. Switchable immune modulator for tumor-specific activation of anticancer immunity. Science advances. 2021, 7 (37). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg7291
- Simon Van Herck, Kim Deswarte, Lutz Nuhn, Zifu Zhong, Joao Paulo Portela Catani, Yupeng Li, Niek N. Sanders, Stefan Lienenklaus, Stefaan De Koker, Bart N. Lambrecht, Sunil A. David, and Bruno G. De Geest. Lymph-Node-Targeted Immune Activation by Engineered Block Copolymer Amphiphiles−TLR7/8 Agonist Conjugates. JACS. 2018, 140 (43), 14300–14307. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.8b08595
