PhD defence: Kerstin De Keukeleere
Inborn errors of immunity in severe central nervous system infections caused by varicella zoster virus
Info about event
Time
Location
Bartholin Auditorium, 1241-135, Aarhus University
On Thursday 5 November 2026 at 14:00, Kerstin De Keukeleere defends her PhD dissertation entitled “Inborn errors of immunity in severe central nervous system infections caused by varicella zoster virus”.
The varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a herpesvirus that infects more than 90% of the worldwide population, causing chickenpox during primary infections and shingles during reactivation. Although these conditions are usually self-limiting, VZV can sometimes lead to severe complications including encephalitis and vasculitis. The PhD project investigates why some individuals develop severe complications following VZV infection and explores the hypothesis that those severe complications are partially due to a genetic defect in the immune system, also called an inborn error of immunity.
The PhD candidate aimed to identify and functionally validate inborn errors of immunity in patients with severe VZV infections.
In particular, the project focused on a genetic variant in the gene ZC3HAV1, identified in a patient suffering from a severe VZV infection, and the investigation of causality between this variant and the disease. Thereby, this dissertation provides new insights into the pathogenesis of severe VZV infections and the fundamental principles of VZV immunity in humans. By advancing our understanding of genetic susceptibility to severe VZV infections, this research may ultimately contribute to improved diagnosis, prophylaxis and treatment strategies of patients.
The summary is written by the PhD student.
The defence is public and takes place in Bartholin Auditorium, 1241-135, Aarhus University. Please see the press release for more information.
Contact
PhD student Kerstin De Keukeleere
Email: kerstindk@biomed.au.dk
Phone +45 93835491