On April 14, 2023 Dr. Helena Karlström, a distinguished researcher from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, delivered an enlightening lecture at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC).
Dr. Karlström’s lecture, titled ‘Active Immunotherapy Reduces NOTCH3 Deposition in Brain Capillaries in a CADASIL Mouse Model’, captivated the audience as she unveiled her groundbreaking work in the field of CADASIL therapy.

A collaborative effort between Dr. Karlström’s team at the Department of Neurobiology and the CADASIL research group at LUMC, the lecture shed light on their collaborative journey towards developing effective therapies for CADASIL, a hereditary condition affecting brain blood vessels. Focusing on the innovative approach of active immunization, Dr. Karlström discussed her research on reducing NOTCH3 deposition in brain capillaries using a CADASIL mouse model.

The CADASIL mouse model, originally pioneered by Dr. Saskia Lesnik Oberstein’s team at LUMC, has been a focal point of Dr. Karlström’s work for the past six years. The enduring partnership between the two research groups has resulted in significant progress in understanding and potentially treating this debilitating condition.

During her engaging lecture, Dr. Karlström provided insights into the progress made with both active and passive NOTCH3 immunization in the CADASIL mouse model. Her findings, showing promising results in vivo, have garnered attention within the scientific community, leading to their acceptance at EMBO Molecular Medicine.

The distinguished lecture was not only a platform to share scientific advancements but also a moment of recognition for Dr. Karlström’s dedication. In acknowledgment of her remarkable contributions, Dr. Karlström was awarded the prestigious Eurolife medal by Prof. Pancras Hogendoorn, the Dean of LUMC.

Beyond her lecture, Dr. Karlström actively engaged with LUMC researchers through various scientific meetings during her stay in Leiden. Her involvement extended beyond academia, as she also played an integral role in the annual CADASIL patient day held in The Netherlands.

Dr. Helena Karlström’s presentation marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat CADASIL. The collaboration between Karolinska Institutet and Leiden University Medical Center continues to propel advancements in CADASIL therapy, offering hope to those affected by this challenging neurological condition.