Dominic D. Smith

04/06/2026

RESEARCHING TICK-BORNE VIRUSES USING MINIATURE BLOOD VESSELS

Recent developments in tick-borne virus research highlight the innovative strength of the Dutch life sciences sector.

Researchers at Wageningen University & Research are using 3D “mini blood vessels” on a chip to better understand how viruses such as TBEV behave immediately after a tick bite. This model enables realistic study of virus–blood vessel interactions while reducing reliance on animal models in early-stage research.

What makes this particularly valuable is its potential to improve predictive and ethically responsible research. Understanding the earliest stages of infection can help identify promising preventive and therapeutic strategies more quickly.

For patients, this matters. Better insight into early infection processes may support earlier recognition, more targeted diagnostics, improved prevention, and more effective treatment. It may also help us better understand and address potential long-term consequences of infection.

This work aligns closely with the One Health approach, recognising the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Such an integrated perspective is essential for tackling tick-borne diseases effectively.

An additional strength is that this platform is not limited to a single virus. It offers broader opportunities to study multiple tick-borne pathogens and translate insights across diseases.

At the same time, climate change and ecological shifts are increasing the risk of tick-borne infections, highlighting the need for integrated surveillance, faster diagnostics, and innovative research models.

A strong example of how technology, biomedical research, and public health are becoming increasingly connected.

How should we prioritise investment between early-stage mechanistic models and large-scale clinical data to accelerate real-world impact? Let’s discuss!

Read article, University & Research, December 12, 2025: https://www.wur.nl/nl/longread/tekenvirussen-onderzoeken-met-minibloedvaatjes

03/06/2026

Deze middag was ik bij RTV Noord voor een opname van een interview voor Radio 1, VRT MAX (Vlaanderen) België voor het radioprogramma ‘De Wereld van Sofie’ met Sofie Lemaire om te praten over Tekenencefalitis (TBE). De uitzending is donderdag 4 juni tussen 10:00 en 12:00.

This afternoon I was at RTV Noord to record an interview for VRT Radio1 and VRT Max (Flanders) Belgium for the radio programme ‘De Wereld van Sofie’ with Sofie Lemaire to talk about tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). The programme will be broadcast on Thursday 4 June between 10:00 and 12:00.

03/06/2026

Ik ben nu bij RTV Noord voor een opname van een interview voor Radio 1, VRT MAX (Vlaanderen) België voor het radioprogramma ‘De Wereld van Sofie’ met Sofie Lemaire om te praten over Tekenencefalitis (TBE). De uitzending is donderdag 4 juni tussen 10:00 en 12:00.

I’m now at RTV Noord to record an interview for VRT Radio1 and VRT Max (Flanders) Belgium for the radio programme ‘De Wereld van Sofie’ with Sofie Lemaire to talk about tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). The programme will be broadcast on Thursday 4 June between 10:00 and 12:00.

01/06/2026

2nd Annual Conference on Chronic Infection Pathologies
FROM DATA TO DIAGNOSIS

3–6 September 2026, Helsinki, Finland (Hybrid event)

Submit an Abstract
Register Now

https://www.chronicinfectionpathologies.com

01/06/2026

2nd Annual Conference on Chronic Infection Pathologies
FROM DATA TO DIAGNOSIS
3–6 September 2026, Helsinki, Finland (Hybrid event)

Submit an Abstract
Register Now

https://www.chronicinfectionpathologies.com

21/05/2026

18/05/2026

SAMEN INFECTIEVEILIG

Samenwerking Infectieziekten lanceert deze week tijdens de start van de Infectiepreventieweek (18 t/m 22 mei) de landelijke campagne ‘Samen Infectieveilig’. Het doel van de campagne is om mensen bewust te maken van de risico’s van infectieziekten en van het belang om zichzelf en anderen te beschermen. Volgens de stichting neemt het risico op infectieziekten toe. Jaarlijks belanden naar schatting circa 200.000 mensen in het ziekenhuis als gevolg van een infectieziekte.

Meer informatie over de campagne van Samenwerking Infectieziekten is te vinden op www.sameninfectieveilig.nl (Bekijk de campagne en ontdek wat jij kunt doen!)

In het kader van deze campagne is vandaag mijn ervaringsverhaal gepubliceerd in de lokale media, over zoals de en ( ), evenals , en .

OOG Groningen, https://www.oogtv.nl/2026/05/dominic-kreeg-meerdere-infectieziekten-tegelijk-stadjer-zet-zich-nu-in-om-anderen-te-waarschuwen

Groninger Internet Courant, https://gic.nl/nieuws/groninger-dominic-kreeg-meerdere-infectieziekten-tegelijk-en-zet-zich-nu-in-om-anderen-bewust-te-maken-van-risicos



https://sameninfectieveilig.nl

Samen maken we Nederland infectieveilig. Ontdek hoe je infectieziekten voorkomt, waarom antibioticaresistentie groeit en wat jij kunt doen.

30/04/2026

REDUCING AGRICULTURAL AXOLE FUNGICIDES: A ONE HEALT TRANSITION FRAMEWORK FOR AGRICULTURAL, HEALTH AND HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS

My new article presents a comprehensive One Health analysis of the growing challenge of antifungal resistance linked to agricultural use of azole fungicides. Drawing on environmental, clinical, and agricultural evidence, the study outlines how persistent azole exposure in soils, compost, and horticultural systems is driving resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus, with direct implications for human health.

The article proposes a structured transition framework to reduce, phase out, and ultimately reserve medically important azoles for clinical use. It highlights the need for systemic change through Integrated Pest Management (IPM), non-chemical alternatives, and innovation in biological and digital crop protection strategies. At the same time, it emphasises the urgency of aligning agricultural policy with public health priorities under a One Health governance model.

Importantly, the analysis demonstrates that antifungal resistance is not confined to healthcare settings but is increasingly shaped by environmental and agricultural practices. This reframes the issue as a cross-sectoral risk requiring coordinated intervention across disciplines.

The article provides detailed risk assessments, case studies, and policy recommendations aimed at safeguarding both food production systems and the long-term effectiveness of antifungal medicines.

Read the full article: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:4e580b77-6ffb-4547-b9f9-46b89b97089e

How can we accelerate the transition away from agricultural azoles while ensuring both crop resilience and protection of human health? Let’s discuss!

26/04/2026

A NEW STEP FORWARD IN THE PREVENTION OF LYME DISEASE

The recent announcement by Tarsus Pharmaceuticals marks a noteworthy milestone in the evolving landscape of infectious disease prevention. The initiation of dosing in the Phase 2 Calliope trial evaluating TP-05 (lotilaner) reflects a strategic shift from reactive treatment towards proactive prophylaxis in Lyme disease.

This investigational oral agent aims to interrupt transmission by targeting infected ticks prior to pathogen transfer—an approach that challenges the conventional paradigm centred on post-infection management. The study, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolling approximately 700 at-risk individuals, will assess safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics, with results anticipated in 2027.

Given the absence of approved pharmacological prophylaxis for Lyme disease and the increasing epidemiological burden driven by environmental change, such innovations may represent a critical inflection point in vector-borne disease control strategies.

From a translational perspective, this programme also raises broader questions around scalability, adherence, and integration into public health frameworks—particularly in populations with heightened vulnerability or exposure risk.

How do you see the role of pharmacological prophylaxis evolving alongside vaccines and behavioural interventions in the prevention of vector-borne diseases? Let’s discuss!

Read press release Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Mar 31, 2026: https://ir.tarsusrx.com/news-releases/news-release-details/tarsus-doses-first-participant-calliope-phase-2-clinical-trial

11/04/2026

NANOPARTICLE- INDUCED IMMUNE TOLERANCE: A PROMISING FRONTIER FOR ALPHA-GAL SYNDROME (AGS)

Recent advances in allergen-specific immunotherapy and nanomedicine are beginning to reshape the landscape for alpha-gal syndrome (AGS)—a tick-borne, IgE-mediated allergy to the carbohydrate galactose-α-1,3-galactose (αGal), associated with delayed hypersensitivity to mammalian products.

Emerging work from the University of Michigan, alongside findings published in Frontiers in Allergy, highlights a compelling preclinical strategy: biodegradable nanoparticles encapsulating αGal to induce immune tolerance rather than hypersensitivity.

In murine models, this approach demonstrated both preventive and partial therapeutic potential. Prophylactic administration significantly suppressed Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), reduced αGal-specific IgE production, and mitigated hypersensitivity responses such as basophil activation and histamine release. Notably, even in already sensitised models, treatment achieved measurable immunomodulation—though with more modest effects on effector pathways.

The underlying mechanism is particularly noteworthy. Engineered nanoparticles enable controlled allergen delivery, promoting tolerogenic antigen presentation and effectively reprogramming immune responses. This represents a conceptual shift in addressing carbohydrate-driven allergies such as AGS.

The broader relevance is clear:
• The prevalence of AGS is rising globally, partly linked to the expanding geographic range of ticks under climate change
• Current management relies largely on avoidance, often impacting quality of life
• This platform technology may extend to other food allergies, including peanut and egg

While these findings remain preclinical and require validation in human trials, they mark an important step towards causal, mechanism-driven interventions—moving beyond symptomatic management.

How do you see nanotechnology accelerating the transition towards precision immunotherapy in complex allergies?

The article entitled “Immunotherapy with biodegradable nanoparticles encapsulating the oligosaccharide galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose enhance immune tolerance against alpha-gal sensitization in a murine model of alpha-gal syndrome” by Michael N. Saunders, University of Michigan Department of Biomedical Engineering on Frontiers, August 9, 2024, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/falgy.2024.1437523