Main research topics

Head of Department:  Associate Professor MILENA SERGEEVA MOURDJEVA-ANDONOVA, PhD

Main research topics

Since 2005 the main investigation priorities of the Molecular immunology department have been mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). The protocols for isolation of MSC from different adult tissues were developed. The research on autoimmune mechanisms of some diseases of the reproductive system such as endometriosis and prostate cancer were continued as well as the studies of tumor specific antigens and neo-angiogenesis.
The studies on differentiation and immunoregulatory properties of MSC will enable the development of new therapeutic approaches for treatment of autoimmune disorders, transplantation complications and degenerative diseases. In regenerative medicine MSC can be used for replacement of bone or skin defects and myocardial infarctions, etc.
Main research topics in Molecular immunology department are:

• Isolation and characterization of mesenchymal stem cells from different adult tissues and organs. Development of protocols for clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells as immunomodulatory agents in autoimmune disorders.  
• Effect of reproductive steroid hormones on expression of proteins with immunoregulation properties from mesenchymal stem cells isolated from endometrium, early deciduas, adipose tissue and bone marrow.
• Studies on pathogenetic mechanisms and factors of endometriosis. 
• Isolation and characterization of human cancer stem cells: in search for new targets for treatment of skin carcinomas. Search for tumor stem cells specific markers. 
• Development of xeno-free conditions for culturing of human embryonic stem cells (line BG01V). 
• Development of experimental approaches for obtaining and differentiation of human indused pluripotent stem cells from mesenchymal stem cells, blood cells, etc.