Our research team is developing biologics that target the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor 2 (TNFR2) to activate or eliminate regulatory T cells (Tregs) in a context-dependent manner during graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) reactions. Building on previously engineered nanobody-based TNFR2 agonists that protect against GvHD, the team of Professor Wajant and Dr. Lang is now investigating second-generation variants of these biologics in preclinical models that additionally stimulate GvL effects.

I graduated and worked as a postdoc in plant biotechnology during the early 1990s but subsequently switched to the completely different field of cytokine research.  I’ve been active in the field of TNF research for three decades, with a particular focus on how TNF receptors are activated and how this knowledge can be leveraged to develop biologics that specifically target TNF receptors.