Sophie Vanhercke

The Host-Microbiota Interaction (HMI) lab studies the role of microbiota - the diverse community of microorganisms living in and on our bodies - in maintaining health and contributing to disease. Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major global health challenge, with its incidence rising in Western societies. Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has transformed cancer treatment by enhancing the body’s immune response against tumors. However, most CRC patients do not respond to these therapies, highlighting the need for novel approaches.

Recent research shows that the gut microbiota plays a role in shaping immune responses and influencing ICI efficacy. Certain bacterial species and their metabolites can modulate the tumor microenvironment, but the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Using germ-free and gnotobiotic mouse technology and unique mouse CRC models, I aim to identify microbial factors that influence immunotherapy efficacy. Understanding these modes of action could help pave the way for microbiota-based interventions to improve CRC treatment outcomes.
 

• Lab address: Host-Microbiota Interaction lab (HMI), VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
• Lars Vereecke lab
• LinkedIn
• Sophie Vanhercke is involved in:
  - GGIG – Ghent Gut Inflammation Group
  - Germ-Free and Gnotobiotic Mouse Facility
• Sophie Vanhercke is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks