Our strategies to boost T cell avidity and thus, improve ATT converge at the final steps of effector functions, as mediated by the secretion of cytotoxic molecules. Moreover, our work is devoted to the elucidation of tumor-stroma interactions in hematological diseases.
Studying cell biological mechanisms that define the capacity of T cells to mediate protection from infections or tumors, we have identified gene functions that amplify the secretion of effector molecules. Because a high local effector function of adoptively transferred T cells (ATT) is key for tumor eradication, this approach can complement current efforts to select for tumor-antigen specific T cells.

We combine animal models, cellular and molecular biology techniques as well as gene expression profiling to gain insight into the complex network of tumor cells and a benign infrastructure within secondary lymphoid organs. These approaches are instrumental in gaining a profound understanding of mechanisms that cause lymphoma to be addicted to the local microenvironment.