Yeditepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Immunology Department was founded in 2011, under the chairmanship of Professor Dr. Gülderen Yanıkkaya Demirel. Laboratories affiliated with our department are the Stem Cell Laboratory affiliated with Yeditepe University Training Hospital, the Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Tissue Typing Laboratory affiliated with the Immunology Department.
With cooperation from many different faculties and national, and international research groups, Our research interests range into various fields as listed below;
- Hematological Immunology
- Immune Cytotoxic Effect
- Neuroimmunology
- Transplantation Immunology
Academical Staff
Professor Gülderen Yanıkkaya Demirel, MD, PhD.
Professor Arzu L. Aral, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor Başak Aru, PhD.
Administrative Staff
Molecular Biologist Furkan Aydın
Visiting Scholars
Assistant Professor Mazdak Ganjalikhani-Hakemi (Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Immunology Department, Iran), 2022-2023.
Training Activities
Doctoral Lectures
- Immunobiology, Biotechnology Doctorate Program
- Advanced Immunology, Pathophysiology Doctorate Program
Current Immunology Lectures Given by Immunology Faculty Members
- Yeditepe University, Faculty of Medicine, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Phases
- Yeditepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy, 2nd Grade
- Yeditepe University, Faculty of Dentistry, 3rd Grade
Previously Given Lectures
- Article Reading/Writing –Phase I
- Scientific Project Proposal Writing – Phase II
- Project Finalization/Reporting – Phase III
Research Activities
International Projects
1. AUTOIGG – Horizon 2020 MSCA RISE Projesi – Automated Functional Screening of IgGs for Diagnostics of Neurodegenerative Diseases (2018-2023)
2. PID Test Standardization Study, Working Group for Monitorization of Primary Immune Diseases, ESCCA (2015 - )
3. THYMISTEM - EU FP7 Projesi – Development of Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Thymic Regeneration (2013 – 2015)
National Projects - Ongoing Projects
1. Investigation of the Relationship Between Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) Reservoirs and CD4 T Cell Senescence in the Peripheral Blood Samples of HIV-1 Positive Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), TÜBİTAK 1001, The Scientific and Technological Research Projects Funding Program (Project Leader: Associate Professor M.Taner Yıldırmak, University of Health Sciences, İstanbul Prof.Dr. Cemil Taşçıoğlu Şehir Hastanesi, Infectıous Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Department, Türkiye. 2023-2025
2. Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Substituted Novel Phthalocyanine Derivatives: Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Chemo-photodynamic Effects in Malign Melanoma in vitro, TÜBİTAK 1001, The Scientific and Technological Research Projects Funding Program (Project Leader: Dr. Başak Aru, Yeditepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Immunology), 2023-2026.
3. Correlation of graft function with the HLA tissue typing, soluble immune checkpoints, and TIM3, GAL9, BAT3, FYN gene expressions in kidney transplant recipients, TÜBİTAK 1002 Short Term R&D Funding Program (Project Leader: Dr. Cemil Pehlivanoğlu, Yeditepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Immunology), 2023-2024.
4. Isolation of Anti-inflammatory and Cytotoxic Compounds from Valeriana Phu and V. Tuberosa Species, TÜBİTAK 1001, The Scientific and Technological Research Projects Funding Program (Project Leaderr: Professor Hasan Kırmızıbekmez, Yeditepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy), 2022-2024.
5. Evaluation of immunological function changes in plasma and saliva in oral lichen planus, TÜBİTAK 1002 Short Term R&D Funding Program (Project Leader: Professor Filiz Mediha Namdar Pekiner, Marmara University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology), 2023-2024,
National Projects - Completed
1. Screening PAI-1/tPA Relationship and Metabolic Parameters in COVID-19, Project Number: T-DR.-2002-1799, Istanbul Medeniyet University Scientific Research Projects Commission (Project Leader: Professor Mehmet Ali Ağırbaşlı), 2022-2023.
2. Anti-Cancer Properties of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Substituted Silicon Phthalocyanines’ on Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines, Project Number: 1011/YAP-AP-SAB-20017, Yeditepe University Research Projects and Scientific Activity Support Commission (Project Leader: Professor Gülderen Yanıkkaya Demirel, Yeditepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Immunology), 2020 – 2021.
3. Development of Dental Bone Grafts with 3D Printing Technology for Alveolar Bone Loss Treatment, TUBITAK 1003 Primary Subjects R&D Projects Funding Program – Electrical Electronics and Informatics Research Group (Project Leader: Dr. Lecturer Ümran Aydemir Sezer, Isparta Süleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology), 2019-2023.
4. Isolation and Structure Elucidation of Cytotoxic Secondary Metabolites from Several Valeriana Species Growing Wild in the Flora of Turkey and Investigation of Their Mechanisms of Action, TÜBİTAK 1001 Scientific and Technological Research Projects Funding Program. (Project Leader: Prof. Dr. Hasan Kırmızıbekmez, Yeditepe University Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy), 2019 – 2021.
5. Novel Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Substituted Phthalocyanine Derivatives for Cancer Treatment with Chemo- and Photodynamic Therapy, TUBITAK 1002 Short Term R&D Funding Program (Project Leader: Prof. Dr. Devrim Atilla, Gebze Technical University, Department of Chemistry), 2019 – 2020.
6. Evaluation of Cellular Stress and Inflammasome Activation on Human Neuronal Cell Line Derived Alzheimer Model - TÜBİTAK 1001 The Scientific and Technological Research Projects Funding Program (Project Leader: Prof. Dr. Gülderen Yanıkkaya Demirel, Yeditepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Immunology), 2018 - 2021.
7. Comparison of Apoptosis Rate of Granulosa Cells in Protocol Groups with and without LH Added Following Microdose Flare-Up Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonist or GnRH Antagonist in Women with Low Ovarian Reserve Undergoing an In Vitro Fertilization Cycle – Giresun University Scientific Study Projects (Project Leader: Assistant Professor Şebnem Alanya Tosun, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics), 2017 - 2018.
8. Effect of Propolis Extract on Apoptosis and Cell Cycle in Different Cancer Cell Lines (Executive Prof. Dr. Hasan Kırmızıbekmez, Yeditepe University Faculty of Pharmacy), 2017 -.
9. 3D Woven Scaffolds for Cartilage Regeneration - Project Number: 17IS0786 TÜBİTAK 1003 ERSG (Engineering Research Group) Project (Project Leader: TÜBİTAK MAM KTE), 2017-2019.
10. Development and Evaluation of Nanocellulose Nerve Guide Fillers for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration, Project Number: 214S672. TÜBİTAK COST Project (Project Leader: Assistant Professor Hüseyin Karaca, Sakarya University, Department of Chemistry), 2016-2018
11. Determination of Changes in Mitochondria Numbers in Lymphocyte Subgroups in Alzheimer's Patients with a New In Situ Mitochondria Quantitative Analysis Method for Flow Cytometry – TÜBİTAK 3001 - Initial R&D Project (Project Leader: Associate Professor Burcu Örmeci, Yeditepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology), 2014 – 2016.
12. Investigation of the relationship between inflammatory pathways mediated by node-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome and the nitridergic system in a depression model created in rats. (Measurements regarding inflammasome and cytokine were made in our laboratory) Marmara University Scientific Study Projects Funding Program, (Project Leader: Professor Feyza Arıcıoğlu, Marmara University, Faculty of Pharmacy), 2014 - 2015.
13. Determination of Sex Differences in Adult Mice and the Effect Mechanism of Sex Hormones on Thymus Regeneration – TÜBİTAK 1002 Short Term R&D Funding Program - (Project Leader: Prof. Dr. Gülderen Yanıkkaya Demirel, Yeditepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Immunology), 2014 – 2015.
14. Determination of expression changes of genes thought to affect neurogenesis in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in a rat stress model (with the support of Yeditepe University Hospital Scientific Committee), 2014.
Master's and Doctoral Theses Made in Our Laboratory
Ongoing Theses
1. A. DEMİR (Thesis Author), G. DEMİREL (Supervisor), Deep Analysis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) residual cells, Yeditepe University, Yeditepe University, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Doctorate Program of Biotechnology - Continuing
2. R. TIĞLI (Thesis Author), G. DEMİREL (Supervisor), Yeditepe University, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Master’s Program of Biotechnology - Continuing
3. C. PEHLİVANOĞLU (Thesis Author), G. DEMİREL (Co-supervisor), Correlation of graft function with the HLA tissue typing, soluble immune checkpoints, and TIM3, GAL9, BAT3, FYN gene expressions in kidney transplant recipients, Istanbul University, Institute of Health Sciences, Doctoral Program of Immunology – Continuing.
Alumni
1. G. GÜREL (Thesis Author), G. DEMİREL (Supervisor), The role of complement components C5a and C5aR in an Alzheimer cell model developed from progenitor neural cells, Yeditepe University, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Master’s Program of Biotechnology, Turkey, 2023 - Completed
2. A. YİĞİT (Thesis Author), G. DEMİREL (Supervisor), Exploration for the possible use of GM-CSF receptor numbers on myeloid cell population as a predictive value for stem cell transplantations, Yeditepe University, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Master’s Program of Biotechnology, Turkey, 2022 - Completed
3. B. ARU (Thesis Author), G. DEMİREL (Co-supervisor), Evaluation of novel zinc, indium and silicon phthalocyanines' anti-cancer properties, Gebze Technical University, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Doctoral Program of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Turkey, 2021 - Completed
4. T. ŞİMŞEK (Thesis Author), G. DEMİREL (Supervisor), Investigation the effects of cytokines of young and old mesenchymal stromal cells on cancer cell lines by small molecules, Yeditepe University, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Master’s Program of Biotechnology, Turkey, 2021 - Completed
5. Z. AKBULUT (Thesis Author), G.DEMİREL (Supervisor), Tracking B cell kinetics in the early immune recovery stage of lung transplantation cases by monitoring KREC (kappa deleting recombination excision circle) levels, Yeditepe University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Doctoral Program of Molecular Medicine, Turkey, 2017 - Completed
6. F. T. AKDENİZ (Thesis Authorı), G. DEMİREL (Supervisor), Monitoring T cell kinetics at early recovery period of lung transplantation cases by TCR excision circle (TREC) levels, Yeditepe University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Doctoral Program of Molecular Medicine, Turkey, 2017 - Completed
7. B. ARU (Thesis Author), G. DEMİREL (Supervisor), Effects of testosterone propionate on bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells proliferation and viability, Yeditepe University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Molecular Medicine Master’s Program, Turkey, 2016 - Completed
8. G. TERZİOĞLU (Thesis Author), G. DEMİREL (Supervisor), Effects Of Gender Dıfferences On Immune Senescence Mechanisms, Yeditepe University, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Doctoral Program of Biotechnology, Turkey, 2021 - Completed
9. Ö. ALBAYRAK (Thesis Author), G. DEMİREL (Supervisor), Pre And Post Treatment Platelet Activation And Antibody Binding Capacity Of Platelets In Iron Deficiency Anemia Cases Occurring Due To Menstrual Cycle And Malnutrition With Thrombocytosis, Yeditepe University, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Master’s Program of Biotechnology, Turkey, 2012 - Completed
Student Projects Supported by TÜBİTAK 2209 - University Students Research Projects Support Program
1. Mehmet Halil Kılınç (3rd Phase Student in Faculty of Medicine) Examination of the effect of α-arbutin on estrogen receptors on human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7)
2. Kayra Kapran ve Tutku Naz Özdemir (3rd and 6th Phase Students in Faculty of Medicine), Examining the effect of PD-1 and PD-L1 relationship on the proliferation of neurofibrillary tangles in an Alzheimer's Model Developed from Human Neuronal Precursor Cells.
3. İdil Çetin (4th Phase Student in Faculty of Medicine) - Determination of the Expression Levels of Soluble Galectin 9 and Tim 3 Immune Checkpoints in the Alzheimer's Model Developed from Human Neuronal Precursor Cells.
4. Ege Gürlü (4th Phase Student in Faculty of Medicine) - Determination of Expression Levels of TIGIT and TIM-3 Immune Checkpoints in People with Autoimmune Diseases.
5. Zeynep Dal (3rd Phase Student in Faculty of Medicine) - NLRP3 Inflammasome Mechanism and Effect of Curcumin in Colorectal Cancer HCT116, LoVo, HT29, SW480 Cell Lines.
6. Aslı Akgül (3rd Grade Student in Faculty of Pharmacy) - Investigation of the Apoptotic Effect of the Combined Application of Curcumin and Buthionine Sulfoximine on Glioblastoma Cell Lines.
7. Levent Solim (3rd Phase Student in Faculty of Medicine) - Effect of Changes in Free Oxygen Radicals (SOR) Levels on Proliferation and Migration in MCF-7 Cells by Inhibiting Glutathione (GSH) Synthesis with DL-Buthionine-(S, R)-Sulfoximine (BSO).
8. Uğur Kaan Kalem (3rd Phase Student in Faculty of Medicine) - Quantification of chemokine receptor CXCR4 in T lymphocytes in patients diagnosed with major depression.
9. Arda Akoluk (2nd Grade Student in Faculty of Medicine) - Establishing cell culture from rat tracheal epithelium for use in neuroendocrine experiments.
10. Baran Çalışgan (2nd Phase Student in Faculty of Medicine) - Effects of oxidative stress and antioxidants on B lymphocytes in multiple sclerosis.
11. Ayfer Sun (2nd Phase Student in Faculty of Medicine) - Investigation of the relationship between changes in monocyte HLA DR expression and the course of sepsis.
Student Projects Supported by Yeditepe University Rectorate
1. Investigation of Phagocytosis and Oxidative Burst with Neutrophil Functions in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis (Project Leader: Taner Tan (Yeditepe University, Faculty of Medicine Term III Student)
Projects Made by TurkMSIC SCORE Exchange Students in Our Laboratory and Presented as Posters at Congresses
1. Paula Madalina Lupu, Maria Cristina Ciobanu – The Impact of Iron Chelators on MCF-7 Cancer Growing Cells, Marisiensis, 2018
2. Igor Luis Argani - Evaluation of Anti-Neoplastic Effects of Testosterone on Glioblastoma Cells, Congresso Medico Universitario do ABC, 2016
