The Movahedi lab investigates neuro-immune crosstalk in the brain. We have a particular interest in brain macrophages and seek to understand their ontogeny, diversity and role in shaping brain homeostasis and disease. To study the brain immune landscape and neuroinflammation, we employ cutting-edge technologies. This includes single-cell multi-omic analysis (e.g CITE-seq via 10x genomics, high parametric spatial analysis using
Akoya Phenocycler-Fusion), genome engineering and induced-pluripotent stem cell technology. Importantly, we aim for translational research that can provide new treatment options for brain disease, including for neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia) and primary brain tumors (glioblastoma). Our lab also has a strong interest for pioneering innovative cell therapy approaches that are based on macrophage engineering and replacement.

Selected recent publications

1. Scheyltjens I, Van Hove H, De Vlaminck K, ... , Guilliams M, Vandamme N, Movahedi K. Single-cell RNA and protein profiling of immune cells from the mouse brain and its border tissues. Nature Protocols. In press. (2022)

2. Munro D, Movahedi K, Priller J. Macrophage compartmentalisation in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid system. Science Immunology. 7, eabk0391 (2022)

3. Lodder C, Scheyltjens I, Stancu IC, ... , Bottelbergs A, Movahedi K*, Dewachter I*. CSF1R inhibition rescues tau pathology and neurodegeneration in an A/T/N model with combined AD pathologies, while preserving plaque associated microglia. Acta Neuropath Comm. Jun 8;9(1):108. 10.1186/s40478-021-01204-8. (2021)

4. Pombo Antunes AR, Scheyltjens I, Lodi F, ... , Van Ginderachter J, Movahedi K. Single-cell profiling of myeloid cells in glioblastoma across species and disease stage reveals macrophage competition and specialization. Nature Neuroscience. 24(4):595–610 (2021)

5. Shemer A, Scheyltjens I, Frumer GR, ... , Maggio N, Movahedi K, Jung S. Interleukin-10 Prevents Pathological Microglia Hyperactivation following Peripheral Endotoxin Challenge. Immunity. 53(5):1033-1049 (2020)

6. Van Hove H, Martens L, Scheyltjens I, ... , Van Ginderachter J, Saeys Y, Movahedi K. A single-cell atlas of mouse brain macrophages reveals unique transcriptional identities shaped by ontogeny and tissue environment. Nature Neuroscience. 22(6):1021-1035 (2019)