Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Immunity

The immune system influences the efficacy of many therapies and interventions. Thus, the identification of crucial immunological parameters, such as novel biomarkers, is of great importance. The aim of the Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Applied Tumor Immunity is the characterization of immune responses directed against the tumor and the transfer of these findings into clinical applications. A particular focus of our research is the analysis of immunological interactions between tumor cells and host or immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and periphery to identify predictive biomarkers and develop novel immunotherapeutic approaches for solid tumors (e.g. TCR T cells, CAR T cells, bispecific antibodies and peptide vaccines).

In close collaboration with Prof. Jäger´s Department of Medical Oncology at the NCT Heidelberg and partners at the University Hospital (UKHD) and the Thoraxklinik Heidelberg we conduct innovative clinical trials and biomarker studies. Especially, the in-house development of cellular therapy approaches and various antibody formats, the clinical development of bispecific antibodies with pharmaceutical partners, and the application of organoid and tissue cultures as tumor model systems will lead to early clinical trials (phase I/II) evaluating novel (combination) therapies. The integration of research and clinic, in particular phase I/II clinical trials, is an explicit goal of our unit.

Research Groups within the Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Immunity:

• Prof. Dr. Dirk Jäger, Applied Tumor Immunity
• Dr. Angel Cid-Arregui, Targeted Tumor Vaccines
• PD Dr. Frank Momburg, Antigen Presentation & T/NK Cell Activation