Head of the group
Associate Professor Aida Solhøj Hansen
Cancer Research Unit
Department of Molecular Medicine
Email: aidah@health.sdu.dk
For CV, list of publications, international network etc. see profile on Pure.
Research interests
Our research aims to understand how extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate communication between cells in inflammatory diseases and cancer. EVs are nanometer sized particles released from all cells, and they are emerging as key mediators for the transfer of proteins, nucleic acids, metabolites, and lipids between cells in health and disease.
We are particularly interested in how EVs shape immune responses, drive chronic inflammation, and contribute to cancer therapy resistance. We currently have two main focus areas in the group:
1. T Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Psoriasis
We are investigating a novel mechanism of immune activation in psoriasis, where pro-inflammatory molecules are packaged into EVs and delivered to other cells. Our goal is to identify specific EV subpopulations that act as “pro-inflammatory packages” and drive disease progression.
We focus on:
- Identifying and characterizing T-cell derived EVs from patient blood and skin
- Studying how different EV subsets influence immune cell function
- Exploring therapeutic strategies to block disease-promoting EVs
This project has the potential to redefine our understanding of pro-inflammatory signaling in psoriasis and uncover new treatment options.
2. Tumor-Derived EVs and Immune Suppression in Breast Cancer
In this project, we explore how EVs from treatment-resistant breast cancer cells contribute to immune suppression and therapy failure. We are examining how these vesicles:
- Differ in composition and function between resistant and sensitive tumor cells
- Modulate the immune system to promote a suppressive tumor microenvironment
- Influence response to different cancer therapies
We are also testing whether targeting these EVs can improve therapeutic outcomes. This research could lead to novel strategies to overcome resistance in breast cancer treatment.
Together, these projects aim to identify innovative pathways and therapeutic targets at the intersection of EV biology and immune modulation, to improve the outcome for patients suffering from chronic inflammatory disease or cancer.
Methods and techniques
For our research we use both human samples and mouse models, and employ a wide range of different cell biology and molecular biology techniques including 2D and 3D cell culturing, immunomagnetic cell isolation, EV isolation and functional studies, genetic manipulation by transduction, spectral flow cytometry, nano flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, western blotting and ELISA.
Support received from
Sapere-Aude DFF starting grant
LEO Foundation Dr. Abildgaard Fellowship
Information for students
We're always excited to welcome motivated and curious students to our team. If you're interested in joining us, feel free to reach out to aidah@health.sdu.dk
Members of the research group
Postdoc Klara Rasmussen Bollerup Lanng
PhD student Josefine Bech Jensen
Research Assistant Pernille Gejl Pedersen