Research Group GMP & T Cell Therapy

T cell based immunotherapy approaches against cancer hold great promise as documented by the therapeutic success of checkpoint inhibitor application in numerous clinical trials. The “Research Group GMP & T Cell Therapy” explores T cell mediated tumor rejection, working out new concepts for clinical application. In particular, our team investigates the functional roles T cells and macrophages play in rejection of melanoma and breast cancer, with special focus on miRNAs involved in these processes. In this context, we are also investigating the effect of various irradiation regimens on T cell-mediated tumor rejection and the associated induction of so called abscopal effects.

Using murine and humanized animal models, the T Cell Therapy team investigates (a) tumor derived antigens and/or epitopes recognized by T cells, (b) analyzes the biological functions exerted by various T cell subsets, and (c) determines inhibitory and/or stimulatory factors with impact on immunological tumor defense. Aiming at the development of immunotherapy strategies for comprehensive tumor cell eradication, we are establishing novel combinatorial radio-immunotherapy concepts using different sources of radiation (photons, carbon heavy ions) in conjunction with antibody delivery against the immune checkpoint inhibitors PD-L1 and CTLA-4.

The translation of innovative tumor immunotherapy approaches into clinical routine constitutes a major goal of tumor immunology research programs located at Heidelberg. Our GMP unit has long-standing experience on the implementation of processing and preparation procedures for adoptive transfer of tumor-reactive T cells and holds official permission for the adoptive transfer of autologous T cells expanded ex vivo.

„GMP“ stands for „good manufacturing practice“, holding strict rules for the production of therapeutics according to the German Medicines Act.

Further information about our GMP activities is available on the German Website.