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About us
The Laboratory of Experimental Pathology and Immunology (LEPI) was formed in 1990 to supplement the Laboratory of Experimental Microscopy to support the research in the field of electron microscopy in biology and medicine. The purpose of the LEPI is to make provisions for basic, developmental and applied research to be realized, as well as medical diagnosis.
Regarding diagnostic purposes, humoral and cellular parameters of immune response can be examined in the LEPI. Preparation and histopathologic analysis of all types of specimens are also feasible. The research takes place at the lab that integrate knowledge at the molecular level and about regulation of cellular dysfunction in various diseases of immune origin (primary and secondary immune deficiencies, systemic diseases of the connective tissue, vasculites, neurological disorders, hematological malignancies, etc.).
In addition to research work, educational activities also take place at the Lab – practical classes for both the students of integrated academic studies and doctoral academic studies.
The LEPI is involved in a program of research training of young teachers & associates of European medical and pharmaceutical faculties, enabling thus international cooperation and exchange of researchers and students of graduate and doctoral academic studies.
Responsible person
Assistant Professor Tanja Džopalić (tanja.dzopalic@medfak.ni.ac.rs)
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Activities
Research
The Lab represents the basis for the study of parameters of immune response in numerous diseases. The research team of the Lab has participated or still participates in the assessment of immune response disorders based on the profiles of produced immune reaction mediators and identification of cell populations in patients with multiple sclerosis, acute and chronic lzmphatic leukemias, periapical lesions, in patients with transplanted kidneys, etc. Research related to the use of antitumor vaccines also takes place in the Lab.
Techniques and methods
The research employing the following techniques and methods takes place at the LEPI:
- identification of cellular and tissue antigens using light and electron microscopy
- immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry
- identification of autoantibodies using immunofluorescence
- determination of cell apoptosis
- ELISA tests
- various tests of cellular function assessment in vitro (proliferation, oxidative status, cytokine production)
- isolation and cultivation of cells in vitro
- flow cytofluorimetry
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Resources
- Research light microscope with software morphometry capabilities
- LEICA DMR light microscope with fluorescence, polarization, color and black/white camera
- Cytocentrifuge
- ELISA reader with a computer and application software
- Laminar chamber for work in sterile environment
- Incubator with humid environment and CO2
- Hystorange microtome and equipment for full preparation of all kinds of specimens
Staff/Researchers/Associates
In the work of the LEPI the staff of the SRCB and teachers and associates of the academic course Immunology are engaged:
- Dr Milena Potic-Floranovic, expert associate, specialist candidate in pathology and student of doctoral academic studies
- Dragan Ilic, lab technician
- Asst. Prof. Tanja Džopalic, specialist in immunology
- Asst. Prof. Miloš Kostic, specialist in immunology
The resources of the LEPI are available to all the employees of the Faculty involved in biomedical research.
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Results
Scientific cooperation
The LEPI has effectuated excellent cooperation with the Institute for Medical Research of the Military Medical Academy in Belgrade, Clinic of Allergology and immunology of the Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Biology and Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic” in Belgrade, etc.
Projects
Research within numerous national and international projects:
Use of functionalized carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticles for the preparation of dendritic cells in tumor therapy
Etiology, diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of endemic nephropathy and associated urothelial tumors – the importance of genomic and proteomic research
Preventive, therapeutic, and ethical approach to preclinical and clinical research of genes and modulators of redox cell signaling in the immune, inflammatory, and proliferative cellular response
Combinatorial libraries of heterogenous catalysts, natural products, modified natural products and their analogues: the path to new insights.
Antioxidative protection and potentials for differentiation and regeneration of mesenchymal stem cells from various tissues
Biocompatibility and possible use of biomaterials based on hydroxyapatites and biopolymers in tissue reparation – an experimental and clinical study
COST Action BM1406 – Ion channels and immune response in the understanding of physiology of immune cells – a novel therapeutic approach – realized within the EU Framework Program Horizon 2020
GoNano project – Synthesis of gold nanoparticles to be used in dentistry and medicine – realized with the EUREKA program.