The Institute generates news every day. Some findings are groundbreaking—some represent smaller steps. But ultimately, it is the combination of both that makes scientific advancement possible. Here is a little selection of the latest stories making it out to the wider world.
How can we better prepare for future pandemics? This question is the focus of the Leibniz Lab Pandemic Preparedness, of which the Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT) recently became a member. The LIT will contribute by investigating the molecular mechanisms of secondary diseases resulting from infections, such as ME/CFS or Long COVID syndrome, in greater detail.
Regulatory T cells (Tregs), a specialized type of immune cells, are usually seen as “peacekeepers” that prevent excessive immune attacks. Surprisingly, a new study published in “Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy” shows that Tregs utilize inflammatory signals to start repair processes following cancer therapy. The research conducted by the LIT Cooperation Group “Innate Immune Sensing in Cancer and Transplantation” in cooperation with researchers from the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) uncovers how the body`s own immune system can be harnessed to repair the intestinal lining and improve survival.
A consensus statement published in “Nature Reviews Immunology” provides consensus definitions for common T cell subsets, and additionally proposes a modular nomenclature for defining T cell states – both to facilitate clearer communication of findings and concepts to researchers, students and clinicians. Prof. Carmen Gerlach, Head of Research Division “Tailored T-Cell Diversity” at the LIT, is one of the authors.
The executive boards of the Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT) and the German Rheumatology Research Center (DRFZ) in Berlin have signed a “Memorandum of Understanding”. The two Scientific Directors, Prof. Dr. Philipp Beckhove and Prof. Dr. Eicke Latz, aim for strategic cooperation in the areas of research, training, scientific infrastructure, and data exchange, including the establishment of a joint working group.
For about six months since March, around 50 postdocs, PhDs and master students at the LIT went through an entire curriculum program mediating knowledge about Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
A “Nature Communications” study from the LIT Cooperation Group “Innate Immune Sensing in Cancer and Transplantation” reveals how a microbial metabolite safeguards the intestinal barrier and drives stem cell-mediated regeneration after injury.
Peter Aumer, member of the German Bundestag, came to the LIT to visit the exhibition “Alzheimer’s Research Meets Art” providing insights into the world of biomedicine.
“Stay curious.” That is only one of the practical pieces of advice Roland Schelker gives in his interview for early-career researchers. The statements are published on Immunopaedia.org, a non-profit platform providing free immunology education. Schelker, Head of the Translation Group “T-Cell Fitness”, recently became an Associate Professor at the University of Regensburg.
In the latest episode of the podcast “Wirkstoffradio”, Bernd Rupp sits down with Dr. Dr. Roland Schelker, Head of Translation Group “T-Cell Fitness” at the Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, to dive deep into the fascinating world of immune cells – especially T cells.
The 2025 Taylor Prize is dedicated to the transformative potential of cell-based immunotherapy. As Western University, London, Ontario, Canada, in its award announcement says, Prof. Carl H. June’s work is “advancing our understanding of immune-based treatments and reshaping the possibilities of human health”. The Taylor Prize is one of Canada’s most prestigious medical research prizes and includes a cash award of 50,000 U.S. dollars.
