Our research focuses on how metabolites and cellular metabolism govern intercellular communication, with particular emphasis on the tumor microenvironment. We investigate how metabolic signals shape immune cell function and regulate immune responses in cancer and inflammatory diseases. A central objective is the identification of immunometabolic checkpoints and metabolite-driven signaling pathways as novel therapeutic targets, with a special focus on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Targeting Immunometabolic Checkpoints with Clinically Applicable Drugs

We develop and evaluate therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic pathways that contribute to tumor-mediated immune suppression. Because tumor, immune, and stromal cells frequently share metabolic dependencies, these approaches require careful preclinical assessment to minimize unintended effects on non-malignant tissues. To address this, we employ advanced model systems, including tumor organoids, ex vivo tumor fragment cultures, three-dimensional tumor spheroid–immune cell co-cultures, and in vivo mouse models.

Genetic Engineering of T Cells to Improve Adoptive Cell Therapy

Adoptive T cell therapies have transformed the treatment of hematological malignancies but have shown limited success in solid tumors. A major barrier is the suppressive metabolic environment within tumors, which impairs T cell function and persistence. We aim to enhance the metabolic resilience of therapeutic T cells through genetic engineering, thereby improving their anti-tumor activity in solid cancers. By combining these strategies with antigen-specific T cell receptors, we seek to develop next-generation T cell therapies, currently with a special focus on HPV-related malignancies as HNSCC.

Visit the complete list of Prof. Dr. Kathrin Renner-Sattler’s publications on Google Scholar:

‪Kathrin Renner‬ – ‪Google Scholar‬

Here is a selection of the most important publications from the last few years:

Many thanks to the funding agencies who support our work:

REPMET, Clinical Trial, DKH funded

Omics/ Genomics/Liquid Biopsy lighthouse structure (BZKF)

Preclinical models lighthouse structure (BZKF)

ReForM E consortium

Revealing myeloid driven Intratissue Communication in (chronic) inflammation via spatial immunometabolomics to identify convergent target structures (IntraCom)

Benfovir Industrial Cooperation