Appelberg Sofia Email & Phone Number

Stockholm, Sweden

Vaccine development with focus on hemorrhagic fever viruses and SARS-CoV-2

Stockholm, Sweden

Immunoglobulin A deficiency is the most prevalent primary immunodeficiency disease. The primary site for IgA production is mucosal tissue in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Thus, IgA is critical for mucosal immunity, defense against extracellular pathogens and maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. Consequently, many IgA deficient patients suffer from recurrent respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. We have shown that by stimulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells… Show more Immunoglobulin A deficiency is the most prevalent primary immunodeficiency disease. The primary site for IgA production is mucosal tissue in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Thus, IgA is critical for mucosal immunity, defense against extracellular pathogens and maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. Consequently, many IgA deficient patients suffer from recurrent respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. We have shown that by stimulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from both healthy controls and IgA deficient patients with interleukin (IL)-21 and CD40 ligand (CD40L) we can induce IgA production. Currently I am investigating if IL-21 and CD40L stimulation will induce IgA production in B cells from the (human) gastrointestinal tract. The goal is to develop a new therapy for IgA deficiency using lacto bacteria genetically modified to produce and express IL-21 and CD40L.I am also evaluating IL-21/CD40L transcriptome profiles between healthy controls and IgA deficient individuals to determine differences, increase our understanding of IgA deficiency and find new potential drug targets.In addition, due to the importance of IgA in maintaining and regulate our microbiome, I am investigating the difference in the composition of the bacterial flora between healthy controls and IgA deficient individuals. I am comparing samples both from the intestine and faeces. Show less

Gainesville, Florida Area

Studied HIV infection of macrophages and how the infection/virus modulates the normal functions of macrophages

Gainesville, Florida Area

I did my Ph.D. research in the laboratory of Dr. Maureen Goodenow investigating the role of STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5 in HIV-1 infection and modulation of macrophages. Since macrophages are direct targets of HIV-1 infection, have a relative long life span and are resistance to HIV-1 cytopathic effects they become persistent producers of the virus. In addition, macrophages significantly contributes to the chronic inflammation seen in HIV-1 infected individuals. HIV-1 infection of macrophages… Show more I did my Ph.D. research in the laboratory of Dr. Maureen Goodenow investigating the role of STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5 in HIV-1 infection and modulation of macrophages. Since macrophages are direct targets of HIV-1 infection, have a relative long life span and are resistance to HIV-1 cytopathic effects they become persistent producers of the virus. In addition, macrophages significantly contributes to the chronic inflammation seen in HIV-1 infected individuals. HIV-1 infection of macrophages activates STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5. This is in contrast to many other viruses that developed different mechanism to escape the activation and/or effects of STAT signaling, due to its involvement in anti-viral responses. I showed that HIV activate the STAT signaling pathways to support viral replication and that this activation direct and indirect leads to priming of macrophages and subsequently increased inflammation. In addition, the study proved that macrophages must be productively infected to become primed. I also investigated the effect of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive component of marijuana, on HIV-1 infection and immune responses by macrophages. This study uncovered a novel inhibitory function of THC in HIV-1 infection of macrophages. Administration of THC to monocytes during differentiation into macrophages rendered the macrophages less susceptible to HIV-1 infection concomitant with a dramatic reduction in surface expression of HIV receptors CD4 and CCR5. Show less

Greater Los Angeles Area

My research focused on traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in children and the use of ketone bodies as treatment and an alternative cerebral energy source after TBI.The primary energy source for the adult brain under normal conditions is glucose. After a TBI there is a change in the intra- and extracellular environment of the brain and an impairment of the glycolysis. This leads to insufficient energy supply, which could result in additional damage to the brain and reduced recovery after… Show more My research focused on traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in children and the use of ketone bodies as treatment and an alternative cerebral energy source after TBI.The primary energy source for the adult brain under normal conditions is glucose. After a TBI there is a change in the intra- and extracellular environment of the brain and an impairment of the glycolysis. This leads to insufficient energy supply, which could result in additional damage to the brain and reduced recovery after injury. However, during conditions of energy crisis there is an increase in the cerebral uptake and utilization of ketone bodies as energy source. By using a rat rat model I investigate the effect of a ketogenic diet on cognitive recovery and motor functions in adult and young rats after TBI. My results show that treatment with a ketogenic diet for 7 days after TBI significantly improves both motor skills and cognitive recovery in an age dependent manner. This indicates that ketone bodies could be used as a treatment in children after a traumatic brain injury. Show less

Norrkoping, Sweden

Helped to organize a new data base on LFV

Sälen, Sweden

Responsible for the daily work in the restaurant, scheduling of staff, ordering supplies and controlling the everyday sale.

Norrkoping, Sweden

Controlled and tested different samples (for example waste water, process fluids and paper pulp) from the production. Prepared acidic and basic solutions used in the factory and the laboratory.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Microbiology And Immunology

Activities and Societies: Graduate Student Organization 2013-2014 Career Development Seminar Chair 2012-2013 Graduate Student Council.

Master'S Degree, Engineering Biology

Master Of Science - Ms, Media Technology And Engineering

Activities and Societies: Switched to Engineering Biology after 2 years

Natural Sciences

Activities and Societies: Chair of the athletic student organisation