Immunotherapy Research Group
The main goal of the Immunotherapy Research Group is to develop innovative cell-based immunotherapies for cancer, combining expertise in immunology, cell engineering, molecular biology and translational oncology. Our research focuses on understanding the interactions between immune cells and the tumor microenvironment and translating this knowledge into next-generation cellular therapies.
Research areas
Cancer immunotherapy
We develop innovative cell-based immunotherapies for the treatment of solid tumors, with a particular focus on γδ T lymphocytes. Unlike conventional αβ T cells, γδ T cells recognize stressed and transformed cells independently of classical HLA-mediated antigen presentation, making them attractive candidates for allogeneic “off-the-shelf” cellular therapies.
These cells combine potent cytotoxic activity with the ability to produce immunoregulatory cytokines, shape innate and adaptive immune responses, and infiltrate peripheral tissues. Our research aims to understand the mechanisms regulating γδ T-cell activation, tumor recognition, persistence, and functional heterogeneity, and to harness these unique properties for the development of safe and effective adoptive cell therapies against solid tumors.
We also investigate the therapeutic potential of distinct γδ T-cell subsets, optimize their ex vivo expansion and functional properties, and evaluate their efficacy in clinically relevant preclinical models.
Cell engineering
We develop and implement advanced technologies for immune cell engineering, enabling the generation of novel cellular therapeutics. Our expertise includes immune cell isolation, subset enrichment, ex vivo activation and expansion, genetic modification using viral and non-viral delivery systems, and CRISPR-based genome editing.
We integrate these approaches with high-dimensional immunophenotyping, high-content microscopy, live-cell imaging, transcriptomic analyses, and functional assays to comprehensively characterize engineered immune cells and optimize their therapeutic properties.
Our research aims to enhance immune cell persistence, cytotoxicity, tumor-targeting capacity, and resistance to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, ultimately facilitating the translation of engineered cell products into clinical applications.
Tumor biology and biomarker discovery
Understanding the biology of human tumors is essential for developing effective immunotherapies. Our research focuses on brain tumors, particularly diffuse gliomas and glioblastoma, as well as ovarian cancer, combining molecular characterization of patient-derived specimens with functional evaluation of emerging cell-based therapies.
In close collaboration with clinical partners, we investigate the tumor microenvironment, identify biomarkers associated with treatment response and disease progression, and uncover molecular pathways that regulate tumor immune evasion. These studies provide biological insights that support patient stratification, the identification of new therapeutic targets, and the rational design of next-generation cellular immunotherapies.
Translational Research
Translational research is at the core of our activities, connecting basic discoveries with the development of therapies that address unmet clinical needs. We establish integrated research pipelines that combine patient-derived biological material, advanced preclinical models, molecular profiling, and functional validation to assess the therapeutic potential of novel cell-based approaches. By working closely with clinical partners, we support the translation of laboratory discoveries into robust therapeutic concepts, manufacturing workflows, and technologies that can form the basis for future clinical trials and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs).
Technology platforms
The Immunotherapy Research Group has established an integrated portfolio of advanced technologies supporting research in cancer immunology and cell-based therapies. Our platforms combine state-of-the-art methodologies for immune cell engineering, molecular and functional characterization, patient-derived experimental models, and preclinical validation, providing comprehensive technological capabilities for both internal research and collaborative projects with academic, clinical, and industrial partners.
Immune cell engineering
Isolation, enrichment, activation, expansion, genetic modification, cryopreservation, and quality control of human immune cells. Development and optimization of standardized workflows supporting reproducible research and the future translation of cell-based products toward Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs).
Genome engineering
CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing, viral and non-viral gene delivery, gene knockout and knock-in strategies, and functional validation for studying immune cell biology, tumor biology, and improving the therapeutic properties of engineered cells.
Immunophenotyping and functional assays
Comprehensive characterization of immune cells using multi-parameter flow cytometry, cell sorting, cytokine profiling, proliferation assays, cytotoxicity assays, immune monitoring, and functional co-culture systems to evaluate phenotype, activation status, persistence, and anti-tumor activity.
Advanced imaging and image analysis
Application of high-content microscopy, live-cell imaging, confocal microscopy, and quantitative image analysis to investigate immune cell dynamics, cell-cell interactions, tumor architecture, and treatment responses in two- and three-dimensional experimental models.
Patient-derived experimental models
Generation and application of primary tumor cultures, patient-derived three-dimensional spheroids, organotypic cultures, co-culture systems, and orthotopic mouse models for evaluating novel immunotherapies in biologically and clinically relevant settings.
Multi-omics analysis
Integration of bulk and single-cell transcriptomics, proteomics, molecular profiling, and computational analyses to investigate immune responses, identify biomarkers, characterize tumor heterogeneity, and discover mechanisms underlying therapeutic efficacy and resistance.