Pierre Van Der Bruggen
Scientist
Ludwig Center at Brussels
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
Belgium
Biography
I study the interactions between cancer cells and our immune system. I have a particular focus on understanding why tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes are unable to kill tumor cells, and finding strategies to overcome this blockage.After completion of a PhD thesis in plant phytopathology, I joined the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research in Brussels. In 1991, together with Catia Traversari, via a genetic approach I identified the first antigen recognized by a cytolytic T lymphocyte on human cancer cells. Gene MAGE-1, which encodes this antigen, is expressed in many tumor types but not in most normal tissues.
Research Interest
Plant phytopathology, cytokines, signalling, tumor, cancer genetics
Publications
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Marchand, Marie, et al. "Tumor regressions observed in patients with metastatic melanoma treated with an antigenic peptide encoded by gene MAGEâ€3 and presented by HLAâ€A1." International journal of cancer 80.2 (1999): 219-230.
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De Plaen, Etienne, et al. "Structure, chromosomal localization, and expression of 12 genes of the MAGE family." Immunogenetics 40.5 (1994): 360-369.
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Petit AE, Demotte N, Scheid B, Wildmann C, Bigirimana R, Gordon-Alonso M, Carrasco J, Valitutti S, Godelaine D, van der Bruggen P. A major secretory defect of tumour-infiltrating T lymphocytes due to galectin impairing LFA-1-mediated synapse completion. Nature Communications. 2016 Jul 22;7:12242.
