| - Characterization of tumour-associated antigens relevant for protective immune responses focusing on Hodgkin's disease, human papillomavirus-induced cervical carcinoma, the carcinoma-associated EGP2, and the non-Hodgkin lymphoma associated CD20. In addition: analysis of endothelial cell (dys)function in pro-angiogenic diseases (chronic inflammation, tumour growth) is done as a basis for the development of new, selective drugs to treat these diseases. - Analysis of immune effector cell signal transduction pathways required for optimal activation. In addition: recombinant and chemical construction of bi- and trifunctional proteins and gene delivery vehicles are used to target / redirect effector moieties (immune cells, apoptosis inducing proteins, blood coagulation factors, drugs or genes) to tumour cells and tumour vascular endothelial cells. Application in (transgenic) animal models and in patients. |
