Research at the LIT
The Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy researches the three areas of basic immunology, tumor immunology, and immune tolerance—combining this with translational research on the therapeutic reprogramming of immune cells. These findings and discoveries are then integrated into a holistic approach to the development and production of new therapies. Ultimately, we want to improve patients' lives through better diagnostics, technologies, and medications.
What is our research all about?
- LIT scientists work on the challenging task of how to suppress the human immune system after organ or stem-cell transplantations, while still allowing it to fight viruses and cancer cells.
- Scientific Research Groups examine the treatment of rheumatism and inflammatory bowel disease through the selective intervention of the immune system—with the goal of finding a potential cure for these diseases.
- The Institute also analyses how the immune system can be utilized to fight cancer cells in an effort to reduce the intensity of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
- Two departments and research groups have recently been established to expand this professional competence.
What is unique about the LIT?
- In the field of Interventional Immunology, Regensburg is a center for scientific and medical expertise.
- Experts, here, are leaders in the field of organ and stem-cell transplantation.
- A modern, high-tech infrastructure, that includes the José-Carreras-Center, enables local experts to manufacture cell products for individual immunotherapy.
- The close collaboration between the LIT; the University Hospital; various private companies, as well as the University Hospitals of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Würzburg enable us to harness synergies to develop modern therapies that greatly benefit patients.
Why does science need the LIT?
- Many diseases are, as yet, still incurable. But it is possible to treat patients by intervening with their immune systems: The LIT is at the center of research on this.
- The way that theory and clinical practice come together at the LIT is unique and offers significant benefits to patients.
- Doctors and scientists at the Institute are global leaders in the race to develop new immunotherapies.
Explore our scientific teams in greater depth.
The Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy incorporates three specific Research Areas: Discovery, Translation, and Clinical Application. Across these, we are organized into individual research divisions and groups. Find out more!