The Focus Group ‘Clinical Cell Processing and Purification’ is dedicated to the development of clinical cell-therapeutics for the treatment of infections as well as certain forms of cancer or other immunologically related diseases. Especially the identification, targeting and isolation of defined cells for adoptive cell therapies are core interests of the group.

The focus group consists of Prof. Stanley Riddell (Hans Fischer Senior Fellow), Dr. Christian Stemberger (Carl von Linde Junior Fellow) and Prof. Dirk Busch (host), who combine their interests with the goal to to set up a most advanced platform supporting cell therapy applications.

Key interests encompass the identification and evaluation of appropriate target cells such as different types of T cells, NK cells or (hematopoietic/mesenchymal) stem cells as well as uncovering specific advantages of primary (minimally manipulated) cells for cell therapy. Furthermore, identification of appropriate target (T cell) antigens on infected and malignant cells, as well as a better understanding of mechanisms guiding/regulating cell differentiation and in vivo survival will become crucial aspects examined in within the focus group.

Molecular methods are being developed that allow for highly specific and reversible targeting of desired cell populations. Together with the development of technically advanced selection and processing techniques (like magnetic cell sorting and flow cytometry, cryo-preservation) GMP-grade cellular products will be generated. The integration of such a compact workflow comprising the identification, selection, isolation and preservation of highly functional and minimally manipulated cell populations should facilitate the broader integration of cell therapies into individualized medical care.