Research focus
Tumour cells develop in our bodies every day. Nevertheless, a tumour does not necessarily develop, as an intact immune system is equipped with certain cell types that are able to recognise and eliminate these mutated cells. In some cases, however, tumours do develop. Prof. Brunner's research group is investigating such mechanisms that allow the tumour to evade recognition and elimination by the immune system. The tumour essentially pursues two strategies: firstly, it is able to make itself "invisible" to the immune system, and secondly, the tumour creates an environment that suppresses the immune cells that have migrated into the tumour in their activities directed against the tumour. Our research group is therefore pursuing two goals:
- The investigation of molecular mechanisms of tumour development, especially of tumours of the head and neck region
- The investigation of signals and signalling pathways in immune cell populations that promote or oppose tumour growth. Our work focuses on B cells, to which - depending on the subpopulation - both tumour-promoting and tumour-defensive properties are attributed. Our investigations focus on two proteins that are important for B cell development and function, the transcriptional co-activator BOB.1/OBF.1 and Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). A deficiency of BOB.1/OBF.1 leads to a complete absence of the germinal centre reaction, while mutations in the BTK gene block B-cell development at such an early stage that antibody production is completely absent.
The aim of our projects is to develop innovative therapeutic approaches that counteract tumour growth in the head and neck region and its metastasis. In order to achieve this goal, there is close cooperation with the Tumour Antigens and Immunotherapy Unit (Priv. Doz. Dr. S. Laban), the Regulatory Immune Cells Unit (Prof. Dr. P. Schuler) and the Exosomes Unit (Priv. Doz. Dr. M.-N. Theodoraki)
If you are interested in our field of research, you can contact us informally at any time: cornelia.brunner@uniklinik-ulm.de
Graduate scientists:
- Dr Max Wilkat
Topic: Analysis of the influence of adenosine on epithelial squamous cell carcinomas established from tumours of the head and neck region - M. Sc. Annika Betzler
Topic: Role of germinal centres and tertiary lymphoid structures for the prognosis of head and neck tumours
Medical doctoral students:
Matthias Brand
Topic: Establishment of mouse models for tumour immunological analyses of tumours in the head and neck region (HNC)- Lisa Huber (medical doctoral student)
Topic: Role of platelets in the development and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas - Johanna Sporleder (medical doctoral student)
Topic: Bruton's tyrosine kinase as a potential target for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma - Felicia Frank (medical doctoral student)
Topic: Analysis of the influence of adenosine on epithelial squamous cell carcinomas established by tumours of the head and neck - Johannes Dünser (medical doctoral student)
Topic: Investigation of the influence of the adenosine receptor 2b on the signalling transduction and metabolism of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells - Anna-Rebekka Staufenberg (medical doctoral student)
Topic: Investigation of the influence of Btk expression on the signalling transduction and metabolism of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells - Isabel Sewald (dental doctoral student)
Topic: Establishment of transformed epithelial cell lines with defined mutations in proto-oncogenes or tumour suppressor genes to generate specific head and neck tumour mouse models - Kristina Lesakova (medical doctoral student)
Topic: Analysis of the regulation of adenosine receptor 2b (ADORA2b) expression and ADORA2b-mediated signalling pathways in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines - Carlotta Eizenberger (medical doctoral student)
Topic: Analysis of the influence of ADORA2B on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines - Hanna Bast (medical doctoral student)
Topic: Effects of ADORA2B modulators on cell cycle and apoptosis of head and neck carcinoma cells - Robert Drees (medical doctoral student)
Topic: Role of ADORA2B expression in the growth of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells - Paul Platzek (medical doctoral student)
Topic: Bruton's tyrosine kinase as a potential target for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma - Michael Sonntag
Topic: Investigation of germinal centre-like structures in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) in mice and humans - Magnus Brhel (medical doctoral student)
Topic: Investigation of the influence of the transcription factor Hif-1α on the expression of the adenosine receptor A2B (ADORA2B) - Tamara Abdul-Nour (medical doctoral student)
Topic: Does the reprogramming of HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) into HPV-positive HNSCC improve the therapy outcome?
Vacancies
Students of medicine, molecular medicine, biology and biochemistry have the opportunity to complete an internship in our research group at any time. You can expect interesting research foci and conscientious supervision. Thanks to the wide range of methods we have established, you can learn a variety of techniques to investigate different cell types of the immune system. Medical students can apply to us at any time for a place to write a doctoral thesis. We expect a high level of commitment and interest in immunological/molecular biological issues. Applications can be sent by e-mail to the following address: cornelia.brunner@uniklinik-ulm.de
Basic Immunology Research Group
Head: Prof. Dr rer. nat. Cornelia Brunner
Contact address:
Ulm University Hospital
Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery
Research Laboratory
Frauensteige 14a, House 187
89075 Ulm