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In transthyretin amyloidosis, incorrectly folded proteins are deposited in the heart. The disease can occur as part of physical ageing or due to a genetic defect and then leads to a thickening of the heart muscle, which manifests itself functionally as a disorder of heart muscle relaxation and subsequently heart failure. Unfortunately, the pathophysiological mechanisms of transthyretin amyloidosis in the heart muscle are also largely unknown. As part of this research project, PD Dr.

During an ischemic stroke the smallest blood vessels, so-called collateral vessels, can temporarily supply brain tissue in danger of dying. These collateral vessels bear an extreme importance in stroke therapy. Within the scope of this project a new concept for structural diagnosis and the quantification of the brain’s collateral vessels are supposed to be developed. The studies are based on datasets stemming from computed tomography that are generated by means of artificial intelligence (AI).

Muscle-invasive and metastatic bladder cancer is one of the aggressive types of cancer for which survival rates have not improved in recent decades despite therapeutic advances (immunotherapy). Despite detailed insights into the interplay between bladder cancer and the immune system, it is still not possible to determine which patients will benefit from modern immunotherapies on the basis of immunological markers. In addition, the exact biological reasons why this type of cancer is so resistant to immunotherapies are poorly understood.

Lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of blood cancers and patients often only partially or temporarily respond to currently available immunotherapies such as CAR T-cells, checkpoint inhibitors, or bispecific antibodies. Through a high-resolution analysis of patient samples using modern sequencing and microscopy techniques, the use of innovative genetic screening methods, and various mouse models, a detailed characterization of the immune landscape and identification of potential treatment approaches are planned.

Transplantation is the only treatment option for end stage organ failure. However, antibodies and immune cells of the patient recognize the transplanted organ as foreign and mediate its destruction. This can only be delayed by lifelong immunosuppression, causing life-threatening complications. To preserve the organ function, we aim to develop a first-in-class cell therapy to terminate the destructive immune response.

Project description: 

The aim of this project is to develop a customised product with both regeneration-promoting and antibacterial active ingredients. The patient-specific laminates, which can be customised directly during surgery, consist of a carrier material in the form of a collagen-based membrane with incorporated active ingredients. This material is biocompatible as well as biodegradable. Individual membranes are stabilised and cross-linked by simple and cost-effective photochemical cross-linking.