The department of Tumor Immunology is investigating how the immune system can be used in the treatment of tumors.
The immune system has the tremendous task to eliminate pathogens and eradicate arising tumors, while preventing auto-reactive responses that are harmful to the host. In keeping with balancing this dual task, a complex interplay between immune cells exists and many stimulatory and inhibitory circuits are in place. Deregulation of this intricate balance is directly associated with human diseases, ranging from inflammatory and autoimmune disorders to infection and cancer.
The mission of the department of Tumor Immunology is to provide a comprehensive scientific and educational research program in the field of cellular and molecular immunology and translational research aimed at clinical application in cancer. To this end molecular and cell biological research is being carried out on receptors at the surface of so-called dendritic cells (DC). These are cells with long fimbriae which make tumor cells eminently 'recognisable' to the immune system. Clinical research in which cancer patients are vaccinated with these dendritic cells is also being conducted.
The department works in close collaboration with Haematology and Medical Oncology departments.