Lineke Starink
Research
Patients with long COVID suffer from persistent and heterogeneous symptoms. These symptoms may result from different pathophysiological processes, and no single underlying mechanism has been identified. Microvascular endothelial dysfunction has been proposed as one of the key underlying mechanisms. The microvascular network is lined by a single layer of endothelial cells (ECs) which facilitates the efficient exchange of oxygen and nutrients but also makes them vulnerable for shear stress and inflammation. Since COVID-19 is a respiratory infection, pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells are particularly vulnerable. My PhD focuses on unravelling the mechanisms underlying pulmonary microvascular dysfunction and their contribution to long COVID.
Curriculum vitae
I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences at Leiden University. During my Master’s in Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, I developed a strong interest in the vasculature and immunology. I completed two research internship, one in the vascular field and the other in immunology. Currently, I work as a PhD candidate in the group of Marie-José Goumans in collaboration with the group of Paul Quax, focusing on microvascular dysfunction in long COVID.
