Research Explorer

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Researcher

Bert Schepens

Publications & Research Data

Awards & Distinctions

78 Results

2026

High-throughput quantification of spike protein expression by LC–MS for mRNA-LNP evaluation and immune response profiling

Ruben AlmeyKevin MwangiAmélie De MaesschalckThomas EhouarneSieglinde De CaePathmanaban RamasamyMarijn Van HulleIne LentackerBert SchepensDieter Deforce et al.

A1 Journal Article in ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY

2025

Identification and characterization of heptad repeat 2 as a target for neutralizing antibodies on the SARS coronavirus spike

Sieglinde De CaeXavier SaelensBert Schepens

Ultrapotent SARS coronavirus-neutralizing single-domain antibodies that clamp the spike at its base

Sieglinde De CaeInge Van MolleLoes van SchieSophie R. ShoemakerJulie DeckersNincy DebeufSahine LameireWim NerinckxKenny RooseDaria Fijalkowska et al.

A1 Journal Article in NATURE COMMUNICATIONS

2024

Integrating artificial intelligence-based epitope prediction in a SARS-CoV-2 antibody discovery pipeline : caution is warranted

Delphine Diana AcarWojciech WitkowskiMagdalena WejdaRuifang WeiTim DesmetBert SchepensSieglinde De CaeKoen SedeynHannah EeckhautDaria Fijalkowska et al.

A1 Journal Article in EBIOMEDICINE

2023

GlycoVHH : optimal sites for introducing N-glycans on the camelid VHH antibody scaffold and use for macrophage delivery

Loes van SchieWander Van BreedamCharlotte RoelsBert SchepensMartin FrankAhmadreza MehdipourBram LaukensWim NerinckxFrancis SantensSimon Devos et al.

A1 Journal Article in MABS

2022

An unexpected encounter : respiratory syncytial virus nonstructural protein 1 interacts with mediator subunit MED25

Tessa Van RoyenKoen SedeynGeorgios MoschonasWendy ToussaintM VuylstekeDelphi Van HaverFrancis ImpensSven EyckermanIrma LemmensJan Tavernier et al.

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY

GlycoVHH : introducing N-glycans on the camelid VHH antibody scaffold : optimal sites and use for macrophage delivery

Loes van SchieWander Van BreedamCharlotte RoelsBert SchepensMartin FrankAhmadreza MehdipourBram LaukensWim NerinckxFrancis SantensSimon Devos et al.

How RSV proteins join forces to overcome the host innate immune response

Tessa Van RoyenIebe RosseyKoen SedeynBert SchepensXavier Saelens

A1 Journal Article in VIRUSES

Reduced protection of RIPK3-deficient mice against influenza by matrix protein 2 ectodomain targeted active and passive vaccination strategies

Teodora-Eugenia OlteanLorena IbanezTatyana DivertTine YsenbaertHannelore Van EeckhoutteVera GoossensMichael SchotsaertKen BrackeBert SchepensJonathan Maelfait et al.

A1 Journal Article in CELL DEATH & DISEASE

2021

A vulnerable, membrane-proximal site in human respiratory syncytial virus F revealed by a prefusion-specific single-domain antibody

Iebe RosseyChing-Lin HsiehKoen SedeynMarlies BallegeerBert SchepensJason S. McLellanXavier Saelens

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY

An affinity-enhanced, broadly neutralizing heavy chain-only antibody protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection in animal models

Bert SchepensLoes van SchieWim NerinckxKenny RooseWander Van BreedamDaria FijalkowskaSimon DevosWannes WeytsSieglinde De CaeSandrine Vanmarcke et al.

A1 Journal Article in SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE

In vivo therapy with M2e-specific IgG selects for an influenza A virus mutant with delayed matrix protein 2 expression

Silvie Van den HoeckeMarlies BallegeerBram VranckenLei DengEmma JobKenny RooseBert SchepensLien Van HoeckePhilippe LemeyXavier Saelens

A1 Journal Article in MBIO

Single-domain antibodies make a difference

Xavier SaelensBert Schepens

Editorial material

2020

Evaluation of the protective potential of antibody and T cell responses elicited by a novel preventative vaccine towards respiratory syncytial virus small hydrophobic protein

Heather L. TorreyValarmathy KaliaperumalYogesh BramhechaGenevieve M. WeirAnn R. FalseyEdward E. WalshJoanne M. LangleyBert SchepensXavier SaelensMarianne M. Stanford

A1 Journal Article in HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS

mRNA encoding a bispecific single domain antibody construct protects against influenza A virus infection in mice

Lien Van HoeckeRein VerbekeDorien De VliegerHeleen DewitteKenny RooseSharon Van NevelOlga KryskoClaus BachertBert SchepensIne Lentacker et al.

A1 Journal Article in MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS

STAT2 signaling restricts viral dissemination but drives severe pneumonia in SARS-CoV-2 infected hamsters

Robbert BoudewijnsHendrik Jan ThibautSuzanne J. F. KapteinRong LiValentijn VergoteLaura SeldeslachtsJohan Van WeyenberghCarolien De KeyzerLindsey BervoetsSapna Sharma et al.

A1 Journal Article in NATURE COMMUNICATIONS

Structural basis for potent neutralization of betacoronaviruses by single-domain camelid antibodies

Daniel WrappDorien De VliegerKizzmekia S. CorbettGretel M. TorresNianshuang WangWander Van BreedamKenny RooseLoes van SchieMarkus HoffmannStefan Poehlmann et al.

A1 Journal Article in CELL

Structural basis for potent neutralization of betacoronaviruses by single-domain camelid antibodies (vol 181, pg 1004, 2020)

Daniel WrappDorien De VliegerKizzmekia S. CorbettGretel M. TorresNianshuang WangWander Van BreedamKenny RooseLoes van SchieMarkus HoffmannStefan Pohlmann et al.

2019

A two-amino acid mutation in murine IgA enables downstream processing and purification on staphylococcal superantigen-like protein 7.

Shruti BakshiAnna DepickerBert SchepensXavier SaelensPaloma Juarez Ortega

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

Engineering single domain antibodies into antivirals and vaccine delivery vehicles to combat infectious diseases

Shruti BakshiAnna DepickerXavier SaelensBert Schepens

Impact of M2e-specific monoclonal antibodies on influenza A virus spread in vitro and in a mouse transmission model

Annasaheb KolpeXavier SaelensBert Schepens

Intranodal administration of mRNA encoding nucleoprotein provides cross-strain immunity against influenza in mice

Patrick Tjok JoeIoanna ChristopoulouLien Van HoeckeBert SchepensTine YsenbaertCarlo HeirmanKris ThielemansXavier SaelensJoeri Aerts

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE

Respiratory syncytial virus nonstructural proteins 1 and 2 : exceptional disrupters of innate immune responses

Koen SedeynBert SchepensXavier Saelens

A1 Journal Article in PLOS PATHOGENS

Selective engagement of FcγRIV by a M2e-specific single domain antibody construct protects against influenza A virus infection

Dorien De VliegerKatja HoffmannInge Van MolleWim NerinckxLien Van HoeckeMarlies BallegeerSarah CreytensHan RemautHartmut HengelBert Schepens et al.

A1 Journal Article in FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY

Single domain-based antivirals to combat viral infections

Dorien De VliegerXavier SaelensBert Schepens

Super-resolution microscopy reveals significant impact of M2e-specific monoclonal antibodies on influenza A virus filament formation at the host cell surface

Annasaheb KolpeMaria Arista-RomeroBert SchepensSilvia PujalsXavier SaelensLorenzo Albertazzi

A1 Journal Article in SCIENTIFIC REPORTS

Vaccination with influenza hemagglutinin-loaded ceramic nanoporous microneedle arrays induces protective immune responses

Bert SchepensPieter Jan VosXavier SaelensKoen van der Maaden

A1 Journal Article in EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS

2018

A respiratory syncytial virus vaccine based on the small hydrophobic protein ectodomain presented with a novel lipid-based formulation is highly immunogenic and safe in adults : a first-in-humans study

Joanne M LangleyLisa D MacDonaldGenevieve M WeirDonna MacKinnon-CameronLingyun YeShelly McNeilBert SchepensXavier SaelensMarianne M StanfordScott A Halperin

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Clinical potential of prefusion RSV F-specific antibodies

Iebe RosseyJason S McLellanXavier SaelensBert Schepens

A1 Journal Article in TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY

Host-RSV interactions : a siRNA and proteomics approach

Koen SedeynXavier SaelensBert Schepens

Passively transferred M2e-specific monoclonal antibody reduces influenza A virus transmission in mice

Annasaheb KolpeBert SchepensLiang YePeter StaeheliXavier Saelens

A1 Journal Article in ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH

Potent anti-viral vaccine adjuvant based on pH-degradable nanogels with covalently linked small molecule imidazoquinoline TLR7/8 agonist

Lutz NuhnLien Van HoeckeKim DeswarteBert SchepensYupeng LiBart LambrechtStefaan De KokerSunil A DavidXavier SaelensBruno De Geest

A1 Journal Article in BIOMATERIALS

Removal of the N-glycosylation sequon at position N116 located in p27 of the respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein elicits enhanced antibody responses after DNA immunization

Annelies LeemansMarlies BoerenWinke Van der GuchtIsabel PintelonKenny RooseBert SchepensXavier SaelensDalan BaileyWim MartinetGuy Caljon et al.

A1 Journal Article in VIRUSES-BASEL

Single-domain antibodies and their formatting to combat viral infections

Dorien De VliegerMarlies BallegeerIebe RosseyBert SchepensXavier Saelens

A2 Journal Article in ANTIBODIES

Species specificity of type III interferon activity and development of a sensitive luciferase-based bioassay for quantitation of mouse interferon-λ

Sophie JacobsFanny WavreilBert SchepensHans Henrik GadRune HartmannJoana Rocha-PereiraJohan NeytsXavier SaelensThomas Michiels

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF INTERFERON AND CYTOKINE RESEARCH

Transiently thermoresponsive acetal polymers for safe and effective administration of Amphotericin B as a vaccine adjuvant

Simon Van HerckLien Van HoeckeBenoit LouageLien LybaertRuben De CoenSabah KasmiAaron P Esser-KahnSunil A DavidLutz NuhnBert Schepens et al.

A1 Journal Article in BIOCONJUGATE CHEMISTRY

Vaccine options for influenza : thinking small

Bert SchepensDorien De VliegerXavier Saelens

A1 Journal Article in CURRENT OPINION IN IMMUNOLOGY

2017

Bispecific T cell engaging antibody constructs targeting a universally conserved part of the viral M2 ectodomain cure and prevent influenza A virus infection

Jochen PendzialekKenny RooseAnouk SmetBert SchepensPeter KuferTobias RaumPatrick A BaeuerleMarkus MuenzXavier SaelensWalter Fiers

A1 Journal Article in ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH

Hierarchical and redundant roles of activating FcγRs in protection against influenza disease by M2e-specific IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies

Silvie Van den HoeckeKatrin EhrhardtAnnasaheb KolpeKarim El BakkouriLei DengHendrik GrootaertSteve SchoonoogheAnouk SmetMostafa BentahirKenny Roose et al.

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY

IgG3 snitcher of RSV infections in the very young

Bert SchepensXavier Saelens

Editorial material

M2-based influenza vaccines : recent advances and clinical potential

Annasaheb KolpeBert SchepensWalter FiersXavier Saelens

A1 Journal Article in EXPERT REVIEW OF VACCINES

Potent single-domain antibodies that arrest respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein in its prefusion state

Iebe RosseyMorgan SA GilmanStephanie C KabecheKoen SedeynDaniel WrappMasaru KanekiyoMan ChenVicente MasJan SpitaelsJosé A Melero et al.

A1 Journal Article in NATURE COMMUNICATIONS

2016

Crystal structure of the conserved amino terminus of the extracellular domain of matrix protein 2 of influenza A virus gripped by an antibody

Ki Joon ChoBert SchepensKristof MoonensLei DengWalter FiersHan RemautXavier Saelens

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY

GM-CSF treatment prevents respiratory syncytial virus– induced pulmonary exacerbation responses in postallergic mice by stimulating alveolar macrophage maturation

Thomas NaessensBert SchepensMuriel SmetCharlotte PollardLien Van HoeckeAns De BeuckelaerMonique WillartBart LambrechtStefaan De KokerXavier Saelens et al.

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY

Influenza-binding sialylated polymer coated gold nanoparticles prepared via RAFT polymerization and reductive amination

Zhiyue ZhangBert SchepensLutz NuhnXavier SaelensMichael SchotsaertNico CallewaertRiet De RyckeQilu ZhangSébastien MoinsSamira Benali et al.

A1 Journal Article in CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS

Long-lasting cross-protection against influenza A by neuraminidase and M2e-based immunization strategies

Michael SchotsaertTine YsenbaertAnouk SmetBert SchepensDieter VanderschaegheSvetlana StegalkinaThorsten U VogelNico CallewaertWalter FiersXavier Saelens

A1 Journal Article in SCIENTIFIC REPORTS

New antivirals against respiratory syncytial virus

Iebe RosseyXavier SaelensBert Schepens

Phosphoproteomics to characterize host response during influenza A virus infection of human macrophages

Sandra SöderholmDenis E KainovTiina ÖhmanOxana V DenisovaBert SchepensEvgeny KulesskiySusumu Y ImanishiGarry CorthalsPetteri HintsanenTero Aittokallio et al.

A1 Journal Article in MOLECULAR & CELLULAR PROTEOMICS

Regulation of kynurenine biosynthesis during influenza virus infection

Lana GaelingsSandra SöderholmAndrii BugaiYu-Kui FuJatin NandaniaBert SchepensMartina B. LoreyJanne TynellLiesbeth Vande GinsteRonan Le Goffic et al.

A1 Journal Article in FEBS JOURNAL

2015

A GFP expressing influenza A virus to report in vivo tropism and protection by a matrix protein 2 ectodomain-specific monoclonal antibody

Sarah De BaetsJudith VerhelstSilvie Van den HoeckeAnouk SmetMichael SchotsaertEmma JobKenny RooseBert SchepensWalter FiersXavier Saelens

A1 Journal Article in PLOS ONE

Developing 3D SEM in a broad biological context

Anna KremerSaskia LippensSona BartunkovaBob AsselberghC BlanpainMatyas FendrychAlain GoossensM HoltSophie JanssensMichiel Krols et al.

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY

Scop3D : three-dimensional visualization of sequence conservation

Tessa VermeireStijn VermaereBert SchepensXavier SaelensSteven Van GuchtLennart MartensElien Vandermarliere

A1 Journal Article in PROTEOMICS

Small hydrophobic protein of respiratory syncytial virus as a novel vaccine antigen

Bert SchepensMichael SchotsaertXavier Saelens

Editorial material

Structure of the extracellular domain of matrix protein 2 of influenza A virus in complex with a protective monoclonal antibody

Ki Joon ChoBert SchepensJong Hyeon SeokSella KimKenny RooseJi-Hye LeeRodrigo GallardoEvelien Van HammeJoost SchymkowitzFrederic Rousseau et al.

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY

The C terminus of NS1 protein of influenza A/WSN/1933(H1N1) virus modulates antiviral responses in infected human macrophages and mice

Maria AnastasinaBert SchepensSandra SöderholmTuula A NymanSampsa MatikainenKalle SakselaXavier SaelensDenis E Kainov

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF GENERAL VIROLOGY

2014

CD8⁺ T cell immunity against human respiratory syncytial virus

Iebe RosseyKoen SedeynSarah De BaetsBert SchepensXavier Saelens

A1 Journal Article in VACCINE

Presenting heterologous epitopes with hepatitis B core-based virus-like particles

Sarah De BaetsKenny RooseBert SchepensXavier Saelens

Bookchapter in Virus-like particles in vaccine development

Protection and mechanism of action of a novel human respiratory syncytial virus vaccine candidate based on the extracellular domain of small hydrophobic protein

Bert SchepensKoen SedeynLiesbeth Vande GinsteSarah De BaetsMichael SchotsaertKenny RooseLieselot HouspieMarc Van RanstBarbara GilbertNico van Rooijen et al.

A1 Journal Article in EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE

Single-domain antibodies targeting neuraminidase protect against an H5N1 influenza virus challenge

Miguel Lopez CardosoLorena IbanezSilvie Van den HoeckeSarah De BaetsAnouk SmetKenny RooseBert SchepensFrancis DescampsWalter FiersSerge Muyldermans et al.

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY

2013

Hepatitis B core-based virus-like particles to present heterologous epitopes

Kenny RooseSarah De BaetsBert SchepensXavier Saelens

A1 Journal Article in EXPERT REVIEW OF VACCINES

M2e-displaying virus-like particles with associated RNA promote T helper 1 type adaptive immunity against influenza A

Lorena IbanezKenny RooseMarina De FiletteMichael SchotsaertJessica De SloovereStefan RoelsCharlotte PollardBert SchepensJohan GrootenWalter Fiers et al.

A1 Journal Article in PLOS ONE

Natural and long-lasting cellular immune responses against influenza in the M2e-immune host

Michael SchotsaertTine YsenbaertKristien NeytsLorena IbanezPieter BogaertBert SchepensBart LambrechtWalter FiersXavier Saelens

A1 Journal Article in MUCOSAL IMMUNOLOGY

Novel vaccination strategies against human respiratory syncytial virus

Sarah De BaetsXavier SaelensBert Schepens

Recombinant influenza virus carrying the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) F85-93 CTL epitope reduces RSV replication in mice

Sarah De BaetsBert SchepensKoen SedeynMichael SchotsaertKenny RoosePieter BogaertWalter FiersXavier Saelens

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY

2012

Cutting edge approaches towards novel and cross-protective influenza vaccines

Kenny RooseMichael SchotsaertKarim El BakkouriBert SchepensWalter FiersXavier Saelens

Bookchapter in Development of novel vaccines : skills, knowledge and translational technologies

Interferon-inducible protein Mx1 inhibits influenza virus by interfering with functional viral ribonucleoprotein complex assembly

Judith VerhelstEef ParthoensBert SchepensWalter FiersXavier Saelens

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY

Single domain camelid antibodies that neutralize negative strand viruses

Miguel Lopez CardosoLorena IbanezBert SchepensXavier Saelens

Bookchapter in Antiviral drugs : aspects of clinical use and recent advances

2011

Antiserum against the conserved nine amino acid N-terminal peptide of influenza A virus matrix protein 2 is not immunoprotective

Marina De FiletteTine YsenbaertKenny RooseMichael SchotsaertStefan RoelsEls GoossensBert SchepensWalter FiersXavier Saelens

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF GENERAL VIROLOGY

Llama-derived single domain antibodies to build multivalent, superpotent and broadened neutralizing anti-viral molecules

Anna HultbergNigel J TempertonValérie RosseelsMireille KoendersMaria Gonzalez-PajueloBert SchepensLorena IbanezPeter VanlandschootJoris SchillemansMichael Saunders et al.

A1 Journal Article in PLOS ONE

Nanobodies with in vitro neutralizing activity protect mice against H5N1 influenza virus infection

Lorena IbanezMarina De FiletteAnna HultbergTheo VerripsNigel TempertonRobin A WeissWesley VandeveldeBert SchepensPeter VanlandschootXavier Saelens

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Nanobodies® specific for respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein protect against infection by inhibition of fusion

Bert SchepensLorena IbanezSarah De BaetsAnna HultbergPieter BogaertPieter De BleserFrederik VervalleTheo VerripsJose MeleroWesly Vandevelde et al.

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Nanobodies®: new ammunition to battle viruses

Peter VanlandschootCatelijne StortelersEls BeirnaertLorena IbanezBert SchepensErik DeplaXavier Saelens

A1 Journal Article in ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH

2010

Identification of polymorphisms in the ovine Shadow of prion protein (SPRN) gene and assessment of their effect on promoter activity and susceptibility for classical scrapie

Evelyne LampoLuc DuchateauBert SchepensMario Van PouckeXavier SaelensTim ErkensAlex Van ZeverenLuc Peelman

A1 Journal Article in Animal Genetics

2009

M2e-based universal influenza A vaccine

Walter FiersMarina De FiletteKarim El BakkouriBert SchepensKenny RooseMichael SchotsaertA BirkettXavier Saelens

A1 Journal Article in VACCINE

2007

A role for hnRNP C1/C2 and Unr in internal initiation of translation during mitosis

Bert SchepensSandrine TintonYanik BruynoogheEef ParthoensMira HaegmanRudi BeyaertSigrid Cornelis

A1 Journal Article in EMBO JOURNAL

2005

Regulation of the cell-cycle-dependent internal ribosome entry site of the PITSLRE protein kinase: roles of Unr (upstream of N-ras) protein and phosphorylated translation initiation factor eIF-2 alpha

Sandrine TintonBert SchepensYanik BruynoogheRudi BeyaertSigrid Cornelis

A1 Journal Article in BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL

The polypyrimidine tract-binding protein stimulates HIF-1α IRES-mediated translation during hypoxia

Bert SchepensSandrine TintonYanik BruynoogheRudi BeyaertSigrid Cornelis

A1 Journal Article in NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH

UNR translation can be driven by an IRES element that is negatively regulated by polypyrimidine tract binding protein

Sigrid CornelisSandrine TintonBert SchepensYanik BruynoogheRudi Beyaert

A1 Journal Article in NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH