Research Programs

Research Program 1 Immune Circuit Regulation investigates immune diversity from its molecular basis at the protein and genomic levels to its network regulation in cells and tissues. Specifically, we address how this diversity at different organizational levels permits high interindividual variation and yet secures immune homeostasis and thus health. With this program, we reach beyond the paradigm of a single, idealized “textbook” immune system and instead appreciate that diverse variants of the immune system are a prerequisite of survival at the population level. Thus, we posit that a central focus of immunological research should be understanding the functional elasticity common to these different immune systems which allows them to maintain homeostasis under variable genetic and environmental influences.

A thematic overview of the four key research areas covered in this program is provided in the figure below.

Research Program 2 Immunotypes approaches immune diversity through the analysis of diverse general population and disease cohort data. Comparing the general population (age, gender, lifestyle and living environment), patients with neurodegenerative disease and multiple sclerosis, with autoimmunity and hereditary cancer as well as with current and previous infections, we will utilize this incredible wealth of information about immune states and disease trajectories to identify relevant immunotypes and their clinical profiles. This systematic and precise assessment of immunotypes is designed to identify and categorize molecular and cellular patterns as well as markers for improved stratification and prediction of individual disease trajectories and risks. On the one hand, these analyses will identify key signaling pathways linked to certain common immune states and trajectories. They can then be further analyzed to understand the implications of these pathways for circuit immune regulation, and to identify potential molecular targets in this pathway, which can be followed by specific perturbation and intervention strategies. On the other hand, the genetic and environmental diversity underlying these immunotypes will also uncover rare immune gene variants which will again provide novel mechanistical insight for further studies, as well as informing appropriate clinical intervention strategies. 

A thematic overview of the four key research areas covered in this program is provided in the figure below.

Research Program 3 Immune Intervention aims to integrate immune diversity and immunotype assessments into intervention strategies. Various advanced perturbation technologies are applied to precisely interfere with molecules, signaling pathways and key components of the immune regulatory network, as therapies and prophylaxis as well as in combination with cell therapies. While precise perturbation cues will propel studies on immune circuit regulation, newly developed, molecular tools have the potential to be implemented in future precision therapies. However, this research program will not only develop novel molecular tools, but also aims to apply knowledge about immunotypes to appropriately adapt and design other intervention strategies, such as lifestyle changes or the improved application of existing drugs.

A thematic overview of the four key research areas covered in this program is provided in the figure below.

Research Program 4 Advanced Approaches goes beyond the boundaries of advanced, but established, technologies, and newly develops completely innovative approaches. The program allows the investigation of immune diversity in novel ways and applies these newly developed approaches to proof-of-concept studies that link them to the other three research programs.

A thematic overview of the four key research areas covered in this program is provided in the figure below.