Matthijs Kox

My research concerns mechanistic and translational studies into immune (dys)regulation in critical illness, with a focus on sepsis-induced immuno-paralysis. These studies encompass in vitro and animal experiments as well as studies in healthy volunteers and critically ill patients. I have developed the idea to use repeated endotoxin administration in healthy volunteers as a unique model to study immuno-stimulatory therapies for sepsis-induced immuno-paralysis in humans in vivo. This model is now used frequently by other in my department to test novel therapies for sepsis patients. Examples of other recent projects are animal and human studies into the effects of oxygenation and vasopressors on immune suppression in critical illness. Other research activities include innovative studies into voluntary modulation of the autonomic nervous system and the innate immune response using behavioural techniques. These studies have culminated in a publication in the leading journal PNAS and widespread media attention, including national and international news outlets (BBC UK, Channel 7 Australia) as well as international scientific media (Nature news website, New Scientist).

March 2017