Applied Immunology

Applied immunology deals with the body's own defence against pathogens, the malfunctions of the immune system and the development of therapeutic options. Immunological research plays an outstanding role in the treatment of infectious diseases, cancer and autoimmune diseases. Modern vaccines such as the RNA-based corona vaccines or antibodies used therapeutically in medicine such as checkpoint inhibitors are highly innovative biotechnologically manufactured products.
The focus in our laboratory is on the development of therapeutic DNA-based vaccines against cancer. These vaccines are intended to support conventional measures (surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy) by enhancing the lysis of malignant tumour cells through stimulation of the body's own cellular immune system.
In the practical training in immunology, we take a closer look at the preclinical part of this vaccine development (preclinical: development through to application in human clinical trials). The immune responses of the vaccine candidates in the mouse model are quantified and assessed using industry-standard proofs and certificates (flow cytometry, elispot assays, cytotoxicity and proliferation assays).