Safer transplants, better outcomes

Researchers in Regensburg, Erlangen and Würzburg work together in the CRC Transregio 221, that focuses on unsolved challenges in the treatment of patients with leukemia or lymphoma.

CRC TRR 221's mission

Within the Collaborative Research Centre/Transregio (CRC/TRR) 221 innovative immune modulation strategies are investigated to separate graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) from GvL (graft-versus-leukemia) effects in order to enhance the safety and efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in the future.

RESEARCH

We investigate basic immunological mechanisms to understand and ultimately strengthen graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) effects of donor immune cells after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in order to avoid leukemia relapse. We also study graft-versus-host immune reactivity to non-hematopoietic patient tissues (f.e. gut, skin), which we intend to prevent or at least mitigate by innovative immunomodulatory strategies.

Scientists

Students

Projects

Publications

FEATURED SCIENTIST

Dennis Harrer is principal investigator of project A07, which investigates long-lived, self-renewing, minimally differentiated T memory stem cells (T_SCM) as a platform technology for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. T_SCM are thought to overcome barriers to effective and safe salvage therapy with donor-derived CAR T cells after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Dennis Harrer

Department of Internal Medicine III

University Hospital Regensburg

FEATURED PROJECTS

Principal investigators Petra Hoffmann, Michael Rehli, and Matthias Edinger of project B07 work on GvHD therapy with donor regulatory T cells (Treg) aiming to enhance the efficacy of this cell population for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of acute and chronic GvHD after allogeneic HSCT.

Project B07

GvHD therapy with in vitro expanded donor regulatory T cells.

Site: Regensburg
Principal Investigators: PD Dr. rer. nat. Petra Hoffmann, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Michael Rehli, Prof. Dr. med. Matthias Edinger

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Herr

Department of Internal Medicine III University Hospital Regensburg

The CRC TRR 221 researchers are seriously committed to bridge the gap between basic and translational immunology in the field of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy. They strive to achieve our fundamental mission: to improve the safety and efficacy of these important treatment modalities for patients with high-risk hematologic malignancies and severe stem cell disorders.

NEWS

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026

Today, CRC TRR 221 proudly celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Led by UNESCO and UN Women, this international day highlights the importance of promoting gender equality, addressing the gender gap in research and scientific careers, and encouraging girls and women to pursue paths in science.

11. February 2026

World Cancer Day 2026 | United by Unique

Today, the CRC/TRR 221 scientific and medical community proudly joins the global movement in recognizing World Cancer Day 2026, themed “United by Unique.” This year’s theme highlights the crucial importance of personalized, patient-centered cancer care, ensuring that treatments are adapted to the unique needs of every individual.

6. February 2026

New Study Identifies Immune Mechanism Linking Stem Cell Transplantation to Accelerated Atherosclerosis

CRCT 221 scientists have uncovered new experimental evidence showing that allogenic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) may directly accelerate the development of atherosclerosis, offering a potential explanation for the increased cardiovascular risk observed in long-term transplant survivors.

15. January 2026

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