Tumor-host interaction

The comprehensive analysis of tumor-host cell interactions, especially focusing on immune cells and the spatial analysis of the tumor microenvironment by immunohistochemistry (IHC), multiplex analyses, virtual microscopy and semi-automated image analysis is another main objective of the division. The molecular mechanisms underlying the clinical impact and the causes of the observed differences in the immunological tumor micro-milieu are not yet fully understood. Therefore, the dedicated analysis of the tumor compartments (stroma, epithelium, invasion front, and surrounding tissue) with respect to localization of immune cells and cytokine profiling in the light of the clinical course will yield a better image of the complex relations and eventually support the development of new drugs and targeted treatment approaches for patients. Together with the NCT TME Unit and the NCT Unit for „Applied Tumor Therapy and Combinational Strategies", the division supports collaboration projects and clinical studies, such as PROMISE, NEOMUN, CATCH, COGNITION and MASTER. The D120 is closely interacting with other units of the NCT Immunotherapy Program, which has been established to support drug- and target-development for novel immunotherapies (e.g. antibody-based strategies, cellular approaches and vaccines). This includes pre-clinical testing in cell culture, in human tissue model systems as well as small animal models. Therapeutic approaches tested include (although not limited to) immunomodulatory substances, CAR-T cells, TCR-T cells, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and combinations thereof.

Inka Zörnig, PhD - inka.zoernig@nct-heidelberg.de