In a joint project with Professor Hendrik Poeck, we are investigating whether the cyclic GMP–AMP synthase–stimulator of interferon genes pathway (cGAS–STING), a key component of innate immune sensing, can be therapeutically targeted in allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Using mouse models and organoid-based in vitro systems, we aim to define the optimal timing of STING modulation to protect against graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) while preserving the beneficial graft-versus-leukemia effect (GvL) mediated by donor T cells.

I contribute expertise in sequencing technologies and T cell biology to this project. Having studied gene regulation for much of my career, I am particularly interested in the molecular mechanisms that shape immune cell function.