Safer transplants, better outcomes

Researchers in Regensburg, Erlangen and Würzburg work together in the CRC Transregio 221, that focuses on unsolved challenges in the treatment of patients with leukemia or lymphoma.

CRC TRR 221's mission

Within the Collaborative Research Centre/Transregio (CRC/TRR) 221 innovative immune modulation strategies are investigated to separate graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) from GvL (graft-versus-leukemia) effects in order to enhance the safety and efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in the future.

RESEARCH

We investigate basic immunological mechanisms to understand and ultimately strengthen graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) effects of donor immune cells after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in order to avoid leukemia relapse. We also study graft-versus-host immune reactivity to non-hematopoietic patient tissues (f.e. gut, skin), which we intend to prevent or at least mitigate by innovative immunomodulatory strategies.

Scientists

Students

Projects

Publications

FEATURED SCIENTIST

Dennis Harrer is principal investigator of project A07, which investigates long-lived, self-renewing, minimally differentiated T memory stem cells (T_SCM) as a platform technology for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. T_SCM are thought to overcome barriers to effective and safe salvage therapy with donor-derived CAR T cells after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Dennis Harrer

Department of Internal Medicine III

University Hospital Regensburg

FEATURED PROJECTS

Principal investigators Petra Hoffmann, Michael Rehli, and Matthias Edinger of project B07 work on GvHD therapy with donor regulatory T cells (Treg) aiming to enhance the efficacy of this cell population for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of acute and chronic GvHD after allogeneic HSCT.

Project B07

GvHD therapy with in vitro expanded donor regulatory T cells.

Site: Regensburg
Principal Investigators: PD Dr. rer. nat. Petra Hoffmann, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Michael Rehli, Prof. Dr. med. Matthias Edinger

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Herr

Department of Internal Medicine III University Hospital Regensburg

The CRC TRR 221 researchers are seriously committed to bridge the gap between basic and translational immunology in the field of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy. They strive to achieve our fundamental mission: to improve the safety and efficacy of these important treatment modalities for patients with high-risk hematologic malignancies and severe stem cell disorders.

NEWS

EXCITING ADVANCEMENTS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST LEUKEMIA AND SOLID TUMORS

SFB scientist Dennis Herrer is awarded the 2024 Helga Reiffert Preis.

6. November 2024

2024 LEUKEMIA RUN

On October 6, 2024, scientists from the CRC221 once again took part in the 26th Regensburg Leukemia Run, a significant charity event organized by Leukemia Aid Eastern Bavaria e.V.

7. Oktober 2024

2024 CRC Transregio 221 Retreat

The 5th CRC Transregio221 annual retreat – of the 2nd funding period- will occur on May 2nd – May 3rd, 2024.

15. April 2024

IRTG 6th yearly retreat

On July 8th-10th 2024 the 6th annual retreat of the Integrated Research Training Group will take place at Adventure Camp in the Bayerischer Wal.

22. Februar 2024

7th IRTG Clinical Ward Round

The 7th clinical ward round of the Integrated Research Group will take place on November 21, 2023 at 3-5 PM.

12. November 2023

Please vote for the 2023 German Commitment Award

Every year, around 16,500 young adults are diagnosed with cancer. The disease causes major disruption to their family, career, and life plans, becoming an emotional and social challenge for them. Since 2015, the individual online counseling provided by the portal „JUNGES KREBSPORTAL“ (JKP) – has offered young cancer patients free access to medical, professional, and volunteer experts.

19. Oktober 2023

Home-test