Prof. Dr. Katharina Höfer Launches New Research Division “Nucleic Acids Technologies” at the LIT

RNA Technology: What is it and why is it important?

RNA is the blueprint for proteins in our cells. Proteins are essential molecules in every cell of the human body. T cells of the immune system, for example, form protein-receptors on the cell surface that enable them to recognize, bind to, and destroy a virus, bacterium, or cancer cell.

Katharina Höfer’s path to RNA Technologies

Höfer’s fascination with RNA began with a groundbreaking discovery during her PhD: the NAD cap, a protective cap at RNA’s starting end. This cap makes RNA more stable, allowing more proteins to be produced from a single blueprint. This discovery was first made by her in bacteria but is found in all organisms – from humans to viruses. Moreover, Höfer found that the NAD cap functions like a molecular adhesive. It enables RNA to bind firmly to proteins and form a so-called “RNAylation”. This is revolutionary because it creates entirely new biomolecules. In the laboratory, Höfer can now deliberately engineer new combinations by linking any protein to any nucleic acid.

New treatment options and future vision

With this technology, T cells could be reprogrammed directly within the human body. A practical example is CAR-T cell therapy for cancer treatment. Currently, doctors must extract T cells from the patient, reprogram them in the laboratory to become CAR-T cells, and then reintroduce them into the patient. This process is cumbersome, expensive, and time-consuming.

The ambitious vision of Höfer and her new division at the LIT is to deliver the RNA, glued to a protein as it’s carrier, precisely to T cells in the human body, reprogram the T cells in situ and transform them into temporary CAR-T cells that target and eliminate cancer cells. The advantage: it could be faster, cheaper, and more flexible than current CAR-T cell therapies. While Höfer acknowledges that substantial research remains before this vision becomes reality, her division is committed to turning this transformative approach into clinical practice.

Why Regensburg and LIT?

“I am thrilled to join the LIT because it uniquely connects basic research and application. That combination is a cornerstone of my work: we move from fundamental science toward clinical application, and I believe both must go hand in hand. The LIT is one of the few institutes that brings both together under one roof,” Höfer explains her motivation to come to Regensburg. Her group brings biochemistry expertise to the LIT and aims to strengthen the connection with the University of Regensburg by fostering exchange and networking. The university hosts many RNA research groups and maintains a strong focus on RNA biochemistry, making it an ideal partner for Höfer.

Katharina Höfer’s background and career milestones

The RNA biochemist brings extensive experience in her field. She completed her PhD in the field of RNA Biochemistry at Heidelberg University, where she discovered and studied the scope and function of NAD-capped RNA in bacteria. She was Junior Group Leader at Philipps University Marburg, Independent Max Planck Research Group Leader at Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology Marburg and Professor of “Pharmaceutical Biotechnology” at Marburg University before becoming head of Research Division “Nucleic Acids Technologies” at the Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT) and Professor at the University of Regensburg, financed by her success in the Leibniz Programme for Women Professors (CARNIVAL Project).

Her academic distinctions include election as an EMBO Young Investigator, appointment to a LOEWE Top Professorship, and receipt of an ERC Starting Grant and the Otto Meyerhof Award. She is also a member of the Cluster of Excellence “Microbes for Climate” in Marburg and co-spokesperson of the DFG-funded Research Training Group GRK 2937 “Microbial Nucleotide Metabolism”.
Public outreach and science communication are central to Höfer’s work. She is passionate about making her research accessible to general audiences and regularly engages in educational initiatives. Her contributions include participation in the MS Wissenschaft 2026 project on “Medicine of the Future” and appearances on the podcast Offspring Magazine, among other endeavors.

Motivation

Asked about her research motivation, Katharina Höfer explains: “What makes it worthwhile to get up in the morning is knowing that any day could bring the discovery of another secret hidden in RNA. I want to understand how RNA molecules shape and regulate cellular processes—an area of biology we have only begun to explore. The possibility of finding answers to these questions in the laboratory and discovering new ones along the way is what keeps me fascinated by RNA.