PhD student
Emil Colstrup
Curriculum Vitae
I studied Biomedical Sciences at Leiden University, where I graduated with distinction. During my studies, I developed a strong interest in immunology, with a particular focus on B cells and antibody responses. I am currently pursuing a PhD investigating antigen-specific B cell responses in the context of infectious diseases, with a primary focus on malaria. My work centers on understanding how humoral immunity develops and is maintained following exposure to pathogens and vaccination.
Research
My research focuses on characterizing memory B cell and antibody responses to infectious diseases, with an emphasis on malaria. Specifically, I study B cell responses directed against the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP), a key target of protective immunity and current vaccine strategies. By combining immunological assays with high-resolution profiling approaches, I aim to understand how antigen-specific B cells are generated, maintained, and contribute to long-term immune protection.
In addition to malaria, I am interested in comparing B cell responses across different pathogens to identify common principles underlying effective and durable immunity. Ultimately, my work aims to contribute to a better understanding of humoral immune memory and to inform the design of improved vaccines that elicit robust and long-lasting protection.
Publications
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Correlative humoral and cellular immunity to genetically attenuated malaria parasites in humans.
Colstrup E, Nakajima R, Krol JMM, et al.
iScience. 2025;28(6):112589. Published 2025 May 5. doi:10.1016/j.isci.2025.112589
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Safety and Efficacy of Immunization with a Late-Liver-Stage Attenuated Malaria Parasite.
Lamers OAC, Franke-Fayard BMD, Koopman JPR, et al.
N Engl J Med. 2024;391(20):1913-1923. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2313892
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Single immunization with genetically attenuated Pf∆mei2 (GA2) parasites by mosquito bite in controlled human malaria infection: a placebo-controlled randomized trial.
Roozen GVT, van Schuijlenburg R, Hensen ADO, et al.
Nat Med. 2025;31(1):218-222. doi:10.1038/s41591-024-03347-2
Groups:
Molecular Immunology
