Prof. C.G. Figdor (Carl)
Professor - Faculty of Medical Sciences (Radboudumc)
Geert Grooteplein Zuid 26-28
6525 GA Nijmegen
Internal postal code: 278
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Prof. Carl Figdor investigates how we can use our immune system to fight cancer. By means of fundamental research into the function of cells in the immune system, researchers gain a better understanding of the whole process involved. Figdor's group mainly focuses on one type of cell which plays an essential part in this respect: the dendritic cell.
A number of new molecules have been identified that prove important for the proper functioning of this cell, which can be found anywhere in the human body. The dendritic cell's task is to detect foreign intruders such as viruses and bacteria in an early stage and to alert the immune system. Researchers also use dendritic cells to vaccinate cancer patients. They charge these cells with cancer cell proteins, which are then used as vaccines in experimental patient studies. The group's aim is to develop preventive vaccines, for example, for hereditary types of cancer.
Figdor is Director of the Centre for Molecular Life Sciences and head of the department of Tumour Immunology. In 2008, he was elected as a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was awarded the Spinoza Prize in 2006.