Stem and immune cell physiology

Beyond our interest in developing gene therapy solutions for diseases with unmet need, we are investigating physiology/pathophysiology of stem and innate immune cells, as to pave the ground for improved clinical application of future gene therapy systems.

As HSC are the target cells of our gene therapy approaches, we study HSC fate and differentiation in the context of in vitro genetic modification. We are investigating pathways that protect and promote stem cell function with the aim to define strategies for HSC-directed gene therapy.

While the role of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase in defense against microbes is relatively well understood, the contribution of this enzyme complex to control of inflammation is still relatively unclear. Relying on the NADPH oxidase-deficient model disease CGD, we are studying the interplay of phagocytes and T cells in infection with intracellular organisms and inflammatory granuloma formation.

PhD students
Dominik Buck
Simon Pöllmann

Scientific laboratory head
Prof. Ute Modlich