Our Team

Follow us!    

 

doc. RNDr. Magdalena Krulova, Ph.D.

Associate professor and head of the team

e-mail: magdalena.krulova@natur.cuni.cz

 orcid icon  Linkedin - Free social media icons 

Magdaléna was born in Prague, Czechia. She completed her PhD. studies at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Vladimír Holáň’s lab, where she focused on transplantation immunology and mesenchymal stem cells. Since then she has been carrying out her research at the Czech Academy of Sciences and the Faculty of Science at Charles University broadening her expertise in the field of tissue regeneration, stem cells and the interaction between stem cells and immune cells. In 2016, Magdaléna founded the Laboratory of Immunoregulation where she continues to investigate the immunomodulatory properties of stem cells with her own team.

Her favorite immune cell is the macrophage.

 

 

RNDr. Michaela Hajkova, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral fellow

e-mail: michaela.hajkova@natur.cuni.cz

 orcid icon  

  Michaela was born and raised in Kladno, Czech Republic. She completed her masters and doctoral studies at the Faculty of Science, Charles University in the Immunology program. She carried out her research at the Laboratory of Immunoregulation with a focus on researching the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells.
She subsequently continued as a postdoctoral fellow in the Laboratory of immunoregulation. Her main interest was to study the possible application of mesenchymal stem cells together with immunosuppressive drugs in an in vitro and in vivo model. She also participated in projects: immunomodulatory properties of mouse Sertoli cells and systemic immune response to cold exposure.

Her favorite immune cells are the M2 macrophages.

 

 

 

MSc Daniel Vasek

PhD student

e-mail: daniel.vasek@natur.cuni.cz

 orcid icon  Linkedin - Free social media icons 

Daniel is a PhD candidate who has been a member of the lab since his undergraduate years. His field of research has long revolved around thermogenic stimuli. Specifically, he is trying to decipher the neuro-immune mechanisms behind the incredible changes during cold acclimation. In addition, he holds the role of a student adviser and is a member of the academic senate. If he’s not in the lab or a cold chamber, you’ll probably find him somewhere by the water or in the mountains. He likes to travel a lot and has crazy ideas.
 
His favorite immune population is γδ T cells.

 

 

 

MSc Veronika Somova

PhD student

e-mail: veronika.somova@natur.cuni.cz

 orcid icon  Linkedin - Free social media icons 

Veronika is a third-year PhD student who started working in the lab during her bachelor studies. She is currently knee-deep in the captivating world of immunomodulatory properties and mechanisms of mitochondrial transfer from mesenchymal stem cells to immune cells.
When she is not persuading mitochondria to spill their secrets, you’ll find her lost in the pages of fantasy books or being off to real-world adventures, exploring new lands and cultures.

Her favorite immune cell is B cell.

 

 

 

MSC Natalie Fikarova

PhD student

e-mail: natalie.fikarova@natur.cuni.cz

 orcid icon  Linkedin - Free social media icons 

Natalie is a PhD student. She started working in the lab during her BSc in molecular biology, where she focused on the role of the uncoupling protein UCP2 in immune cells for her bachelor’s thesis. With her master’s in immunology, she explored nociceptive ion channels, particularly focusing on TRPV1 in macrophages. Recently, Natalie’s focus shifted into the field of reproductive immunology. Her current project explores the interplay between neural and metabolic regulations of Sertoli cells, seamlessly blending her passions for immunometabolism and neuro-immunity. When she’s not pipetting away in the lab, you can find Natalie sipping on coffee with a good book in hand.

Her favorite immune cell is the Sertoli cell.

 

 

 

BSc Natalie Jaborova

MSc student

e-mail: natalie.jaborova@natur.cuni.cz

Natalie is an undergraduate student. She got her Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry of Organisms here at the Faculty of Science, where she is currently continuing her Master’s degree in Immunology. Her work, within the Immunoregulation Laboratory, focuses on the phenomenon of mitochondrial transfer, specifically between mesenchymal stem cells and macrophages. She is interested in both the background of its initiation and its effect on macrophages themselves using a variety of methods. In her spare time she likes to hike in nature, go to classical music concerts, have a good beer or enjoy a fine house music set. She believes that her study and scientific goals will be fulfilled and that our lab, with its great members, will continue to move forward in the scientific field.

her favorite immune cell is the macrophage.

 

 

BSc Adela Sztolarikova

MSc student

e-mail: adela.sztolarikova@natur.cuni.cz

Adela comes from a small town in North Czechia where while studying the local gymnasium she fell in love with the world of biology. She moved to Prague to study Molecular biology and Biochemistry at the Faculty of Science, Charles University. After writing her bachelor’s thesis concerning the role of gd T cells in the homeostasis of adipose tissue, she continued with Master’s Immunology program and began to work in Magda Krulova’s lab on the impact of cold exposure on mice and its effect on the immunomodulatory potential of mesenchymal stem cells. To show some sympathy with her research subjects, she also experiences cold exposure herself through daily cold showers. Besides immunology she’s interested in scout and sports.

Her favorite immune cell type is gd T cell.

 

 

 

BSc Jakub Hlavka

MSc student 

e-mail: jakub.hlavka@natur.cuni.cz

Jakub was born in Nachod, Czech Republic. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Molecular biology and biochemistry at the Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague. During his studies he has joined the Laboratory of Immunoregulation. He is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Immunology. His work focuses on the role of macrophages in the testicles, particularly their metabolic and neural regulations. In his free time, he enjoys lifting weights at the gym or relaxing while watching TV series or playing videogames.

His favorite immune cell is the macrophage.

 

 

BSc Ondrej Hostas

MSc student 

e-mail: ondrej.hostas@natur.cuni.cz

Ondrej is a second-year MSc student of immunology. He completed his bachelor’s studies in molecular biology at the Faculty of Science, and is currently continuing his studies at the Laboratory of Immunoregulation. In his project, he is focusing on the role that immune cells play during adipose tissue beiging under cold exposure. Apart from immunology, he enjoys reading, knitting, and drinking an inadvisable amount of coffee.

His favorite immun cell is the macrophage

 

 

Tereza Janska

BSc student

e-mail: tereza.janska@natur.cuni.cz

Tereza was born in Vrchlabi but spent the majority of her life in Dvur Kralove nad Labem. Currently, she is studying Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Science, Charles University. Her bachelor theses is supervised by Magdaléna Krulová and is focused on Sertoli cells and their effect on imune cells. When out of the lab, she loves to stay active. As a proud member of several volleball teams, she spends most of her spare time on courts. Apart from that, she really enjoys swimming, running, skiing and a few dozens of other activities. Being a part of such a great lab is an honor to her and she is already looking forward to every knowledge and skill that is waiting for her.

Her favorite immune cell is the Sertoli cell.

 

 

 

MSc Adela Kracikova

Lab manager 

e-mail: adela.kmochova@natur.cuni.cz

Introducing Adéla, our esteemed lab manager hailing from Hradec Králové. With a background in Clinical Biology and Chemistry from Pardubice, Adéla’s journey took a turn towards lab management during her PhD studies. Known for her unwavering kindness, hard work, and infectious smile, Adéla ensures the smooth functioning of our lab with professionalism and dedication. As the backbone of our scientific community, she exemplifies the values of leadership and compassion, making her an invaluable asset to our team.

Her favourite cell is the mesenchymal stem cell.

 

 

 

 

 

Alumni

MSc Bianka Porubska, Ph.D. 

Former PhD student

Bianka started her scientific journey in the Krulova Lab fascinated by immunology and cell biology. She focused on the non-immune cell type – Sertoli cells and their immunomodulatory capacity. In her PhD studies she compared the immunomodulatory properties of Sertoli cells and mesenchymal stem cells in vitro and then focused more on the application of Sertoli cells in the clinical context, more specifically regarding the application of SCs with the goal to alleviate testicular inflammation and sustain spermatogenesis.
She then moved towards immunometabolism and immune cell signaling in monocytes/macrophages for her postdoc studies at the Washington University in St. Louis in the Bambouskova Lab.

 

MSc Marketa Franova 

Former MSc student

Marketa joined the Laboratory of Immunoregulation during her bachelor’s studies, when she became interested in mesenchymal stem cells. She continued with her master’s studies in Immunology. Her work focused on mitochondrial transfer from mesenchymal stem cells to immune cells.