Meet Dr Anouk von Borstel

A lecturer’s enthusiasm for immunology rubbed off on Anouk during her undergraduate studies, and she pursued this interest in her Masters of Science and PhD. Having maintained her passion for translational immunology and experiencing firsthand the excitement of making new discoveries, translational research became the common thread throughout her scientific career. She left her native Netherlands to join a structural biology lab at Monash University’s Biomedical Discovery Institute (BDI) in 2018, where she published two lead author papers and co-authored nine more, before joining the Allergy and Clinical Immunology Laboratory within Central Clinical School’s Department of Immunology. There she is currently focused on studying the allergic immune response and how this is altered when patients are treated with allergen immunotherapy.

How did you become interested in immunology? What excites you about this area?

My passion for immunology began during my lectures in my BSc studies, where I was fortunate to have a professor whose enthusiasm for the subject was infectious. His ability to convey the complexities of the immune system with true passion left me amazed and wanting to learn more about it.

What truly excites me about this area is the vast amount of uncharted territory. Despite significant progress, there is still so much we don’t fully understand about the immune system. Moreover, the prospect of contributing to the growing body of knowledge and making a positive impact on human health keeps me motivated.

Can you tell us more about your research?

My research focuses on a specific type of immune cells, called B cells, that on the one hand play a crucial role in driving allergic immune responses but, when exposed to the right environmental cues, seem to be able to drive allergen desensitisation. Allergen desensitisation is a process where allergic patients undergo a treatment called allergen immunotherapy, which is becoming increasingly popular due to its potential to ‘cure’ allergies. During this therapy, the allergic immune response is modified.

The exact mechanisms that underlie desensitisation and confer protection remain poorly understood. I am dedicated to unravelling these molecular mechanisms and understanding how these cells are altered. By gaining insight into these processes, I hope to enhance allergen immunotherapy and offer new possibilities for effectively managing and even overcoming allergies in the future. This research not only holds promise for improving the lives of allergy sufferers and advancing our understanding of the immune system, but identified molecular signatures may also be linked to other diseases.

What is the impact (or potential impact) of your research on health?

My work has the potential to significantly impact patient care and overall health in several ways. Firstly, by investigating how allergen immunotherapy affects immune cells (i.e. B cells) involved in the allergic response, we can identify early indicators of treatment efficacy. This enables us to closely monitor patients during and after treatment, making necessary adjustments to optimise treatment outcomes. Secondly, gaining a deeper understanding of how allergen immunotherapy alters the allergic immune response may lead to enhancing existing therapies or developing new ones. Potential approaches could include, for example, B-cell specific therapies. Such advancements could revolutionise allergy treatment, making it more effective and accessible to a larger number of patients.

Lastly, my research holds promise for contributing to the development of novel immunologic

diagnostic tests. These tests could offer detailed insights into a patient’s specific immune response, allowing for personalised treatment plans. Ultimately, the research I’m undertaking has the potential to improve the lives of allergy patients, advance medical practices, and push the boundaries of our knowledge.

What is the most rewarding or enjoyable part of your work?

Trying to answer complex questions and uncovering new mechanisms and explanations. The possibility of new discoveries that may impact patient care, i.e. lead to improvement of existing and/or development of novel therapies is what motivates me. Additionally, working as part of a team enhances the experience further. Collaborating with like-minded colleagues, each bringing their unique perspective and expertise, fosters a supportive and stimulating environment.

What is your proudest achievement to date?

My proudest achievement to date has been publishing a lead author paper in Science Translational Medicine and securing an Early Career Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences this year. These accomplishments not only validate my dedication and achievements in the field of immunology, but also provide me with the opportunity to further progress my career and research.

What makes CCS a great research environment for you?

CCS is an exceptional research environment due to its close proximity to the Alfred Hospital, which is incredibly advantageous to my translational research. It facilitates collaborations with clinicians and enables a dynamic exchange of ideas and expertise, bridging the gap between research and medical practice.

What opportunity has had the greatest impact on your career progression?

One of the best opportunities I’ve had was the chance to join a structural biology lab as a cellular immunologist at BDI. This opportunity was both challenging and rewarding. Although it required me to set up many practical aspects needed for my projects, it opened up a world of exciting science and possibilities. Being part of this interdisciplinary lab allowed me to conduct research at the intersection of structural biology and immunology, which provided valuable insights into the working of immune cells at molecular level. This opportunity not only substantially progressed my career by publishing in renowned journals such as Science, Science Immunology, and Science Translational Medicine, but also enriched my skill set and broadened my scientific perspective.

What are your career goals going forward?

My career goals revolve around establishing myself as an independent researcher within the field of translation immunology. I am deeply committed to advancing our understanding of the immune system and its role in disease. In the short term, I aim to further expand my expertise and scientific contributions through impactful research projects and collaborations. In the long-term, I see myself contributing to the understanding of the workings of the immune system, while also impacting patient care. Moreover, I hope to mentor and inspire the next generation of scientists to pursue careers in immunology.

Do you have any advice for young researchers?

Follow your passion and interests, and don’t be afraid to listen to your inner voice. Embrace your curiosity and pursue the areas of research that ignite your excitement and motivation. Trust in your abilities and stay true to your passion, as it will drive you towards fulfilling and rewarding experiences, both professionally and privately.