AG Improvements in clinical cellular immunotherapies
Current research
Our lab focuses on anti-neoplastic immune effector cell (IEC) therapies including CAR T cells and macrophages. This encompasses clinical and laboratory elements related to IEC application. Building on our findings on the disturbance of the bone marrow microenvironment with emphasis on mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in steroid-refractory graft versus host disease (GvHD), we are particularly interested in changes within the bone marrow stroma which might contribute to IEC-associated protracted hematotoxicity.
Background
Cellular therapies have evolved within the context of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HSCT). In parallel, adoptive immunotherapies outside of HSCT have also proven the capability of cell based immunotherapies to kill tumors. This particularly gained momentum with advances in genetic engineering. Chimeric antigen receptor modified T lymphocytes (CAR T) targeting CD19 were the first living, genetically modified drugs that received approval in 2017. However, besides effectiveness, tolerability will be the key to clinical success. Our group investigates how to manage pleiotropic systemic inflammatory effects of immunotherapies and thus to improve cancer care.
Research aims
- Deciphering immune effector cell associated hematotoxicity
- Understanding the clinical relevance of macrophages as new cell therapeutic agents for cancer treatment in cooperation with Sieweke Lab
More information and lab members
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