Dysregulated immune signaling may lead to the development of chronic autoimmune diseases and cancer. The Beyaert group studies the complex role of key signaling molecules in the fine-tuning and self-limiting nature of major signaling pathways that control gene expression in response to inflammatory triggers, further insights of which raises the prospect for better understanding and rational design of therapeutics for several diseases, including autoimmunity, allergy and cancer. The researchers use a variety of omics-based molecular approaches combined with cellular models, mouse gene targeting and mouse models of human disease.

A major research interest of the group is the function and regulation of MALT1. The group’s discovery that MALT1 holds a unique proteolytic activity in lymphocytes has led to a conceptual breakthrough and initiated a strong interest worldwide in the therapeutic targeting of MALT in the context of autoimmunity and certain MALT1-dependent lymphoma cancers. Besides studying the complex role of MALT1 in T cell receptor signaling and T cell homeostasis, the Beyaert lab has taken another great leap forward by also studying the role of MALT1 signalosomes in skin and gut epithelial cells in the context of psoriasis and colitis, respectively.

A second research line focuses on IL-33, a cytokine that is well known for its key role in allergy. Here, the team is studying not only the molecular mechanisms that regulate IL-33 activity, but also uses innovative protein engineering approaches to develop novel IL-33 targeting biologics as new tools to treat allergic and other diseases in which IL-33 plays an important role.

Recently, a third and completely novel research line has been initiated, which aims to investigate the biosynthesis and anti-inflammatory function of two metabolites, abscisic acid and salicylic acid, as novel endogenous immune regulators in mammals.

Finally, Rudi Beyaert also coordinates the recently launched VIB Grand Challenge Program on Primary Immune Deficiency, which is a multidisciplinary translational initiative that addresses the urgent need for molecular diagnostic tools to better identify and classify PID patients and guide therapeutic decisions in the clinic.